Permanent Mission of India
New York
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11^th International Day of Yoga
Opening Remarks

Statement by Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, Permanent Representative
20 June 2025

Excellencies, distinguished Ambassadors and colleagues from various Missions, Dr. Deepak Chopra, Yoga Gurus, Yoga Practitioners and enthusiasts, ladies and gentlemen,

Namaste.

It is my honour to welcome you all on behalf of the Permanent Mission of India, as we come together once again to celebrate the 11^th International Day of Yoga.

2. This year marks over a decade since the United Nations General Assembly, at the initiative of the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, adopted the Resolution unanimously designating 21st June as the International Day of Yoga (IDY) in December 2014. Since 2015, IDY has been an occasion that is observed around the world with great enthusiasm and fervour. 21 June is the summer solstice (the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere) and has special significance in the Yogic system.
3. As Prime Minister Modi noted in his address to the UN General Assembly on 27 November 2014: “Yoga is an invaluable gift of our ancient tradition. Yoga embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfillment; harmony between man and nature; a holistic approach to health and well-being. It is not about exercise but to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and nature.”
4. This year’s theme, "Yoga for One Earth, One Health" is rooted in the “One Earth, One Health” approach introduced during India's G20 Presidency in 2023.The theme underscores the vital truth that personal wellness and planetary health are inseparably linked. In caring for ourselves, we begin to care for the Earth, reflecting the enduring Indian ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — the world is one family.
5. This 11th edition of IDY offers an opportunity to reflect on how Yoga has grown into a global force for well-being, touching people across age groups, geographies and walks of life. At a time when stress, lifestyle diseases and mental health challenges are on the rise, Yoga offers a steady, time-tested path that helps us find calm within ourselves and live more peacefully within ourselves and with those around us.
6. Dear friends, we have a captivating program ahead of us. I wish a happy and blissful yoga evening.

Concluding Remarks

Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I would like to express my deep appreciation to all of you for joining us this evening for the International Day of Yoga at the United Nations. Over the past hour and a half, we have experienced the timeless values of Yoga — unity, balance, and well-being — values that resonate across cultures and communities worldwide. The presence of so many friends of India and supporters of Yoga here today reinforces the universal message of harmony that Yoga embodies.

2. I take this opportunity to extend my sincere thanks to all those who contributed to the success of this event. I would like to thank the Art of Living team for their excellent contribution in presenting the Common Yoga Protocol and the advanced Yoga demonstration. I would also like to thank Dr. Deepak Chopra, renowned author and wellness advocate, for leading the inspiring guided meditation session. I also wish to express our gratitude to State Bank of India and Bharat Electronics Limited, for their generous support to this event. I further thank Ms. Denise Scotto for skillfully anchoring the programme and the UN Department of Operational Support and the Secretariat for their support in organising today’s event.

We look forward to continued collaboration in spreading the message of Yoga for global well-being.

Thank you all once again, and Namaste

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