Sahil Manzoor
This year marks the 11th anniversary of International Yoga Day (IYD)—a global celebration of health, peace, and spiritual connection. Every individual aspires to stay healthy and fit to lead a long, meaningful life. Around the world, doctors and public health professionals continuously advocate for physical activities such as football, cricket, volleyball, badminton, gym workouts, and regular morning walks. These practices are not just about building strength—they are powerful tools to prevent and combat life-threatening diseases.
In recent years, gym culture has particularly resonated with younger generations. While some pursue physical activity for inner peace and wellness, many are drawn by aesthetics—building muscle, enhancing appearance, or keeping up with trends. Regardless of motivation, the core truth remains: physical activity is essential for the development of both body and mind.
In today’s fast-paced world, non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular illnesses, diabetes, and obesity are increasing alarmingly across all age groups. This growing health crisis demands lifestyle changes—starting with regular physical exercise, a diet rich in seasonal fruits and vegetables, and active participation in wellness practices like yoga.
Yoga for one earth, one health
The theme for International Yoga Day 2025 is “Yoga for One Earth, One Health.” This theme emphasizes yoga’s role in not only individual well-being but also environmental harmony. Over the past decade, Yoga Day has grown into a global movement. This year, the celebration is set to take place across more than 100,000 locations worldwide, reinforcing yoga’s universal appeal and its deep-rooted power to connect, heal, and harmonize.
Yoga is one of India’s most treasured gifts to the world. Derived from the Sanskrit word “Yuj”, meaning to unite, yoga signifies the union of body, mind, and spirit. Practiced since ancient times, it transcends mere physical fitness. It is a holistic discipline that nurtures mental clarity, spiritual growth, and emotional resilience.
In 2014, recognizing yoga’s global relevance, the United Nations declared June 21 as International Yoga Day. Since then, the world has embraced yoga as a universal path to health and peace.
A glimpse of the past: Kashmir’s historic celebration
Last year, in 2024, the 10th anniversary of International Yoga Day was celebrated under the theme “Yoga for Self and Society.” The landmark event was led by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India in the breathtaking Kashmir Valley, specifically at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) near the scenic Zabarwan Mountains in Srinagar. Over 7,000 participants joined in the event, spreading yoga’s message of health, harmony, and national unity.
Confronting today’s challenges: Health and drug abuse
While the world has made great strides in health awareness, we are also facing growing threats—obesity, poor lifestyle choices, and the devastating grip of drug addiction, especially among the youth. Obesity has become a gateway to numerous chronic diseases, and drug abuse is silently destroying lives, families, and communities.
It’s time we ask ourselves tough questions:
How can we guide our youth away from drug abuse?
How can we ensure a healthy and purposeful life for the next generation?
The answer lies in education, vigilance, and accountability. Parents, teachers, and society at large must remain watchful and proactive. Governments must implement strict laws against drug trafficking and consumption, ensuring harsh punishments for both peddlers and repeat offenders. Equally important is health education—teaching children from an early age to value their bodies and make informed choices.
A message on Yoga Day 2025
As we mark this special day, I urge everyone to take this message to heart:
“Say No to drugs. Say no to junk food. Say yes to a healthy, purposeful life.”
Choose wellness. Choose yoga. Choose to be someone special—for your family, for your society, and for your nation.
Let us come together, on this International Yoga Day, to celebrate the timeless gift of yoga and embrace a future of health, harmony, and holistic well-being.
(The author is a freelance and can be reached at [email protected])
