Yoga: A Journey to Inner Peace and Planetary Harmony, Says WHO SE Asia Director Ahead of International Day of Yoga 2025
As the world prepares to observe the International Day of Yoga (IDY) on June 21, Saima Wazed, Regional Director for the World Health Organization (WHO) South-East Asia, emphasized that yoga is much more than a physical exercise—it’s a path to inner peace, mindful living, and environmental sustainability.
Speaking in New Delhi on Friday, Wazed urged people to embrace yoga not just for their personal well-being, but also to foster a deeper connection with nature and community. This year, the International Day of Yoga is being celebrated with the theme: “Yoga for One Earth, One Health.”
Yoga Promotes Mindfulness and Harmony
“Yoga is a journey towards inner peace and harmony, and teaches us to listen to our bodies and to live mindfully,” said Wazed, adding that its relevance has grown immensely in the face of rising stress levels, lifestyle disorders, and environmental degradation.
By encouraging simplicity, mindfulness, and conscious consumption, yoga fosters sustainability, said Wazed. “In embracing yoga, we can reduce our ecological footprint and contribute to a healthier planet.”
Yoga's Role in Environmental Awareness
The WHO official highlighted that yoga cultivates a sense of responsibility toward protecting natural resources like clean air, pure water, and fertile soil, which are essential for both individual health and ecological balance.
“In a world facing environmental challenges, yoga offers a path to sustainability,” she noted.
By practicing yoga, individuals are reminded of their interdependence with the environment and are more inclined to adopt eco-friendly habits, making it a tool not only for wellness but also for climate consciousness.
Data-Backed Benefits of Yoga
Wazed also pointed to several scientific studies that underscore the physical and mental health benefits of regular yoga practice:
- 77% of participants in various surveys reported feeling physically stronger after consistent yoga sessions.
- More than 80% of patients with chronic inflammation experienced nearly a 50% reduction in symptoms after practicing daily yoga for just six weeks.
- A Harvard Medical School study found that 60% of individuals with depression saw a significant reduction in symptoms after practicing yoga twice a week for eight weeks.
These findings reaffirm yoga’s power as a holistic healing tool, capable of addressing both physical ailments and emotional well-being.
Theme of IDY 2025: “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”
This year’s theme—“Yoga for One Earth, One Health”—emphasizes the synergy between personal health and planetary well-being. It aligns closely with global movements for sustainable development, climate action, and universal health.
Wazed’s message ties this theme directly to action: adopting yoga is adopting a lifestyle that values balance, health, and respect for nature.
“Let us remember that every breath is a gift from nature, and every moment of mindfulness is a step toward a healthier future,” she said.
Yoga: A Way Forward in a Stressed World
In a world often plagued by anxiety, chronic illness, and environmental degradation, yoga stands out as a simple yet powerful practice that anyone can adopt. Its growing popularity across demographics and geographies showcases a universal appeal, transcending boundaries of age, gender, and culture.
From improving mental health to promoting cardiovascular fitness, and now being linked to climate awareness, yoga continues to evolve as a comprehensive lifestyle practice.
WHO’s Commitment to Integrative Health
The World Health Organization has consistently supported yoga as part of integrative health systems. Wazed’s statements on the eve of IDY 2025 reaffirm WHO’s stance that traditional wellness practices like yoga should be incorporated into mainstream health policies, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
Her message also strengthens the link between United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and yogic principles, especially those related to good health and well-being (SDG 3) and climate action (SDG 13).
Final Thought
As the world celebrates the 10th International Day of Yoga, Saima Wazed’s message serves as a timely reminder of yoga’s transformative power—not just for individual bodies and minds, but for the collective consciousness of our planet.
TheTrendingPeople.com encourages everyone to participate in IDY activities, and to carry forward the message of mindful living for a healthier, more harmonious world.