From Ancient Tradition to Modern Well-Being

Celebrating the International Day of Yoga 2025 in the Republic of Cyprus

By the High Commissioner of India to the Republic of Cyprus – Mr. Manish

(Article Link: https://gnomionline.com.cy/2025/05/20/%CE%B3%CE%B9%CE%BF%CF%81%CF%84%CE%AC%CE%B6%CE%BF%CE%BD%CF%84%CE%B1%CF%82-%CF%84%CE%B7%CE%BD-%CF%80%CE%B1%CE%B3%CE%BA%CF%8C%CF%83%CE%BC%CE%B9%CE%B1-%CE%B7%CE%BC%CE%AD%CF%81%CE%B1-%CE%B3%CE%B9%CF%8C/)

As India’s High Commissioner to the Republic of Cyprus, I take this opportunity to share a message of unity, peace, and holistic well-being on the occasion of the International Day of Yoga, observed globally on June 21st. This is the 10^th Anniversary of IDY and this year’s theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” deeply resonates with the timeless Indian ethos that recognizes the deep interdependence between individual well-being and planetary health.

Yoga, born from the spiritual heritage of India over 5,000 years ago, is one of humanity’s most enduring contributions to global wellness. More than a form of physical exercise, yoga is a science of life—a path toward inner awareness, emotional balance, and spiritual growth. It teaches us that health is not merely the absence of illness but a state of balance—within ourselves, with others, and with nature.

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi beautifully stated,

“Yoga is not just about exercise. It is a way to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world, and nature.”

Since the United Nations proclaimed June 21 as the International Day of Yoga in 2014, following India’s proposal supported by a record 177 nations, millions around the world—from Tokyo to Toronto, from Nicosia to New Delhi—have come together to practice yoga and reflect on its power to bring balance, mindfulness, and global unity. Yoga is now a global language of well-being that transcends nationality, religion, and ideology.

Here in Cyprus, a land known for its cultural diversity and strong traditions in community health and wellness, yoga has found fertile ground. Cypriot citizens—young and old—have embraced yoga both traditionally and innovatively, integrating it into schools, corporate offices, wellness retreats, and everyday life. This shared practice builds not only strength and flexibility, but also bridges of understanding between cultures.

Yoga and the Earth: An Urgent Connection

This year’s theme, One Earth, One Health, reminds us that the planet’s health is inseparable from our own. Yoga offers a deeply ecological perspective—rooted in respect for all forms of life, and in alignment with nature. Practices such as Ahimsa (non-violence) and Aparigraha (non-possessiveness) inspire us to live more sustainably, consume mindfully, and reduce harm to our environment.

As Mahatma Gandhi once said, “You may never know what results come of your actions. But if you do nothing, there will be no result.”

By cultivating mindfulness, yoga helps us become more aware of our ecological footprints—how we eat, move, travel, and consume resources. The growing climate and health crises are not isolated—they are reflections of how disconnected we have become from the rhythms of nature. Yoga restores that connection.

Science and Spirituality in Harmony

Modern research continues to affirm the ancient wisdom of yoga. Studies consistently show that yoga reduces stress, alleviates symptoms of anxiety and depression, improves cardiovascular and immune function, and enhances emotional regulation.

In the words of the Bhagavad Gita:

“Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self.”

These benefits are not abstract. Across the globe, yoga is now being integrated into school curriculums, healthcare systems, mental wellness programs, and workplace well-being initiatives. It is being prescribed by doctors, practiced by world leaders, and embraced by millions navigating the pressures of modern life.

Yoga for All: A Path to Inclusive Wellness

Yoga does not require a perfect body, an ideal age, or expensive equipment. It welcomes all—regardless of physical ability, gender, or background. Whether through dynamic postures, gentle stretches, deep breathing, or silent meditation, yoga offers a doorway to inner stillness and healing.

As the saying goes:

“Inhale the future, exhale the past.”

In this way, yoga supports mental health as much as physical well-being. In a world where many feel isolated, overwhelmed, or disconnected, yoga creates a space for reconnection—with ourselves, with others, and with what truly matters.

A Gift from India to the World

India is deeply honoured to be the birthplace and steward of yoga. Yet yoga belongs to no one country. It is a universal legacy, gifted to humanity. The International Day of Yoga is not a celebration of India alone—it is a celebration of our collective aspirations for harmony, dignity, and balance in a fast-changing world.

As sage Patanjali wrote: “When you are inspired by some great purpose, all your thoughts break their bonds.”

A Call to Cyprus

On June 21, I warmly invite the people of Cyprus to participate in this global celebration of peace, presence, and planetary care. Whether by attending a community yoga session, practicing quietly at home, or simply pausing for mindful reflection, your involvement becomes part of a global movement—one breath at a time.

Let us celebrate this day not only through movement and mindfulness but by realigning with our values, reconnecting with nature, and reaffirming our shared responsibility for this Earth and each other.

Let us bend, so we do not break.

Let us breathe, so we may heal.

Let us move inward, so we may uplift the world outward.

On this International Day of Yoga, may we walk together toward a more conscious, compassionate, and connected future.

One Earth. One Health. One Humanity.