###Yoga: A Precious Gift from Indian Culture to the World

**Udaipur,  Yoga is an art that is raising health awareness worldwide. It is an excellent practice for maintaining peace and harmony among people. It is a precious gift from our ancestors to the entire world, which is why International Yoga Day is celebrated with great enthusiasm globally. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi initiated International Yoga Day in September 2014 to give international recognition to the Indian yoga tradition. Consequently, on June 21, 2015, more than 170 countries celebrated the first International Yoga Day together.

This year, the theme of Yoga Day 2024 is "Yoga: For Self and Society," which means staying healthy individually and keeping society healthy as well. We can maintain a healthy society only if we are healthy ourselves. To keep ourselves healthy, we should practice yoga daily. Yoga keeps the body healthy and also provides positive energy for mental health. It helps cure even the most chronic diseases. It is a slow-healing practice with no harm involved. Whenever we practice yoga, we should do so under the guidance of a yoga instructor.

International Yoga Day is celebrated every year to raise awareness about yoga and understand its importance. Regular practice of yoga brings peace to the body and mind. In this fast-paced life, people often struggle with mental stress. Yoga helps significantly in maintaining mental health. Besides mental health, yoga also helps in getting rid of various severe physical problems. Yoga is not just a means to keep the body healthy but much more. It is an art of living, a complete medical system. According to our scriptures, its ultimate goal is salvation. In fact, yoga is a priceless gift from Indian culture to humanity that establishes harmony between body and mind, humans and nature. It is a matter of pride for every Indian that, due to our Prime Minister's efforts, International Yoga Day is celebrated with great enthusiasm in every corner of the world on June 21. Out of 193 member countries, 177 supported this initiative.

The knowledge of yoga was first imparted to the Saptarishis by Adi Guru Lord Shiva. It is believed that the science of yoga was introduced on Earth by him. Yoga is not just about practicing postures but is a part of the Ashtanga Yoga mentioned in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, which includes following Yamas (ethical rules), Niyamas (self-discipline), controlling breath through Pranayama, practicing withdrawal from external objects, concentration, meditation, and ultimately achieving salvation through Samadhi.

It is unfortunate that the country that has witnessed the tradition of yoga for centuries has most of its youth suffering from diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart-related issues due to modern lifestyle and poor eating habits. Therefore, it is advised to improve our diet, include yoga in our daily routine, and make it a part of our lifestyle to boost our immunity and stay healthy both physically and mentally. Only when we are healthy can we keep society healthy. Our health is the health of society.

So, let's take a pledge this year to practice yoga daily and contribute to building a healthy society. Let's celebrate this International Yoga Day together. You are all cordially invited with your family to the International Yoga Day program organized by the District Administration and Ayurveda Department on June 21, 2024.

**Dr. Shubha Surana**

**Educational Qualifications**:
- Ph.D. in Yoga
- NET in Yoga
- MA in Yoga Science
- MA in Science of Living & Preksha Meditation
- PG Diploma in Yoga Education

**Contact Information**:
- Email: shubha81k@gmail.com
- Mobile: 9983951758, 7300065952

**Achievements**:
- Providing services in the field of yoga for 20 years.
- Hosting the district-level Udaipur International Yoga Day program since 2017.
- First Ph.D. holder in Yoga from Mohanlal Sukhadia University.
- Honored by the District Administration for services in yoga on January 26, 2018.