Hinduism is one of the oldest religions on earth. It is known as the most tolerant religion and famous for its tolerant practices. It’s religious and cultural significance has grown over the years and has been accepted and praised globally. After independence, a diverse country like India was introduced to the world as the only Hindu majority country in the world know for its diversity and secularism. India and Hinduism have openly embraced and welcomed people from around the world. Foreigners mainly from the United States and Europe have attracted to India and its culture thanks to the tolerant principles of Hinduism. The rise of India in the global market can be credited mainly to the liberal culture of Hinduism. The value of Indians has increased globally and this has allowed everyone to easily connect get attracted to our culture and our beloved festivals. Indians have gifted many beautiful things to the world. But Yoga is a precious gift given by Hinduism and India to the world. Hinduism played a vital role in promoting Yoga globally. People from around the world have happily accepted Yoga to such an extent that now every year 21 June is celebrated as international yoga day. Our Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi proposed this idea in United Nations and his request was granted by the United Nations Council and thus June 21 was officially declared as the international yoga day. According to our Honorable Prime Minister “Yoga brings people together” and declared international yoga day as the day of “universal brotherhood”. The prime minister himself acted as a brand ambassador of yoga and promoted it on every digital platform. This made youth and teens across the world realize the importance of yoga. Yoga has been an important part of Hinduism for centuries. The religious scriptures like the Bhagwad Gita & Vedas have beautifully listed the importance of Yoga. Hinduism through its scriptures has propagated the idea that “Yoga was, Yoga is and Yoga will be for everyone.
Swami Vivekananda is credited to introduce the concept of Yoga in America and Europe or in other part of the western world. The importance of yoga and its popularity is due to Indra Devi who opened first yoga studio in Hollywood in 1947. Yoga is popular in many parts of the world. Especially in the United States, yoga has become associated with the asanas (postures) of Hatha Yoga, which have gained immense popularity as fitness exercises. Even though Yoga is central to Hinduism, other religions like Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism, have also been greatly influenced by it throughout the world. Some of the most important Hindu texts which have laid the ground for yoga worldwide include the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, the Bhagavad Gita, and the Hatha Yoga Pradipika.
So, world has now realized the importance of Yoga, Many people have made Yoga a part of their daily routine. There is so much awareness nowadays and Yoga is definitely helping people to improve their overall health.
Yukti Kumar @ Samacharline