This refers to the news report, “UN declares June 21 as ‘International Day of Yoga’” (December 12). It is heartening to note that the UN General Assembly has approved by consensus a resolution declaring June 21 as a day to commemorate yoga. The world community has recognised the importance and greatness of this form of meditation. This will help to popularise other great practices of ancient India. UN General Secretary Ban Ki-moon has rightly said that the International Day of Yoga would bring attention to yoga's holistic benefits.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi should be congratulated for his suggestion to the world community to adopt an International Yoga Day, during his speech in the UN General Assembly. His critics had then ridiculed him. This day is the result of efforts of innumerable yoga teachers to popularise yoga globally. Yoga guru BKS Iyengar did it during his lifetime, and Baba Ramdev and others are doing it now.