Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], June 20 (ANI): Union Minister G Kishan Reddy has said that the whole world is enthused to celebrate the International Yoga Day on 21 June. He also said that many participated in the 24-hour countdown event ahead of International Yoga Day at Lal Bahadur Stadium in Hyderabad on Friday.

'The whole world is enthused to celebrate the International Yoga Day on 21 June. There is no place in India that will not organise an event tomorrow,' Kishan Reddy told ANI.

'Thousands of people participated in the 24-hour countdown event in Hyderabad today... Actors, High Court judges, Army officers, central paramilitary, and many others participated in the programme... I request all people that there should be no house left where Yoga isn't practised tomorrow,' he added.

Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma and Former Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu practised Yoga at Lal Bahadur Stadium, Hyderabad, during the 24-hour countdown event organised by the Ministry of Steel, Ministry of Coal and Ministry of Mines ahead of the International Yoga Day tomorrow.

The country is gearing up to celebrate the 11th International Day of Yoga on June 21. The government is organising a multitude of events nationwide to mark the occasion, with 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health' as this year's theme.

Yoga Sangam, the main event, will orchestrate a synchronised mass yoga demonstration based on the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) at over 1 lakh locations across India on June 21, 2025, from 6:30 AM to 7:45 AM. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the national event at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. This collective celebration aims to reaffirm our shared commitment to the timeless practice of yoga and its enduring relevance in today's world.

An invaluable gift of ancient Indian tradition, Yoga has emerged as one of the most trusted means to boost physical and mental well-being. The word 'Yoga' is derived from the Sanskrit root 'yuj', meaning 'to join,' 'to yoke,' or 'to unite.' It symbolises the unity of mind and body, thought and action, restraint and fulfilment, harmony between human and nature, and a holistic approach to health and well-being.

Recognising its universal appeal, on December 11, 2014, the United Nations proclaimed June 21 as the International Day of Yoga by resolution 69/131. India proposed the draft resolution establishing the International Day of Yoga, which was endorsed by a record 175 member states. Prime Minister Narendra Modi first introduced the proposal in his address during the opening of the 69th session of the General Assembly on September 27, 2014.

The date of June 21 was chosen as it is the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. This day represents a symbolic harmony between nature and human wellness and is important in many cultures. (ANI)