Celebrating International Yoga Day with Together We Can Foundation

June 21st is more than just another day on the calendar—it’s International Yoga Day,        a global celebration of harmony, mindfulness, and the deep connection between body and mind. This year, I had the unique opportunity to witness and participate in this special occasion as an intern with Together We Can Foundation, an NGO dedicated to empowering communities through health, education, and social upliftment.

The Origin of International Yoga Day

The idea was first proposed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his address to the United Nations General Assembly in 2014. Recognizing yoga as “an invaluable gift of India’s ancient tradition,” the UN declared June 21st as International Day of Yoga, aligning it with the summer solstice—the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, symbolizing light, energy, and transformation.

Yoga, which originated in India over 5,000 years ago, is much more than physical exercise. It’s a holistic discipline that integrates body, breath, mind, and spirit. International Yoga Day was established to raise awareness of the many benefits of practicing yoga—from improving flexibility and strength to reducing stress and enhancing emotional resilience.

Theme of 2025: “Yoga for Self and Society”

This year’s theme reflects the idea that inner well-being is the foundation for a healthy society. When individuals practice self-care through yoga, they are better equipped to create peaceful homes, communities, and even workplaces.

Yoga encourages:

• Self-awareness and mindfulness
• Compassion and emotional balance
• Resilience in times of stress
• A deeper connection with the environment and others

How the World Celebrates

From iconic landmarks to local parks, yoga events took place across the globe on June 21st:

• Mass yoga demonstrations in cities like New York, Paris, and New Delhi
• Virtual yoga challenges hosted by global instructors
• Community events featuring meditation, breathing sessions, and wellness talks
• School and workplace yoga activities to encourage participation at every level

How We Can Celebrate Yoga Day

Even if you missed an event, you can still celebrate the spirit of Yoga Day by incorporating mindfulness into your routine. Here are a few ideas:

• Start your morning with 10 minutes of stretching and deep breathing
• Join an online or local yoga class
• Practice gratitude journaling or mindful walking
• Share your yoga journey with friends or on social media to inspire others.

Yoga is for Everyone

One of the most beautiful things about yoga is that it meets you where you are. Regardless of your age, fitness level, or background, yoga offers a space for growth, healing, and self-discovery.

Whether you’re seeking inner peace, physical strength, or a better way to manage stress—yoga is a gift that keeps on giving.

Together we can Foundation

Together We Can Foundation is a grassroots organization dedicated to empowering underserved communities through education, health, and life-skills development. We believe in the power of collective action and compassion to create a more equitable and mindful world.