In anticipation of International Yoga Day, Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra and World Health Organization (WHO) Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus participated in a yoga session at the ‘Walk the Talk’ event in Geneva. This event, organized by India, the United Nations Geneva, and WHO, saw senior officers from the Indian delegation joining the Health Secretary and WHO Director General in performing yoga asanas at the Place des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland.
The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare shared a post on X, stating, “For the upcoming occasion of International Yoga Day, Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra, DG WHO Dr. Tedros, and other senior officers of the Indian delegation re-energised themselves with yoga asanas at the ‘Walk the Talk’ Yoga session event held at Place des Nations organised by India, UN Geneva, and WHO in Geneva, Switzerland.”
International Yoga Day has been observed globally every year on June 21 since 2015, following Prime Minister Modi’s 2014 proposal to the United Nations General Assembly to dedicate this day to celebrating the ancient Indian fitness practice. PM Modi suggested June 21 because it is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, holding special significance in various cultures worldwide.
The day aims to increase global awareness of the numerous benefits of practicing yoga. Last year, Prime Minister Modi led a special yoga session on the lawns of the UN headquarters to commemorate the 9th edition of International Yoga Day. During the event, PM Modi highlighted, “Yoga comes from India; it is a very old tradition. It is adaptable to your age, gender, and fitness level. Yoga is portable and truly universal.”
