Government hails UN decision on International Yoga Day

NEW DELHI: Government today described as "a new India's breakthrough diplomacy" the decision of the United Nations to declare June 21 as International Day of Yoga.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj told Lok Sabha that the wide support the Indian proposal received reflected the pan-global appeal of Indian culture.

"The sheer number of supporters as well as the smooth adoption also symbolises the strong international support the recent diplomatic endeavours of our government have evoked on the world stage.

"I would term these as a critical part of a new India's breakthrough diplomacy. From 'make in India' to 'swachh Bharat' and now the International Yoga Day--they are all small steps in our journey to ensure a vibrant, happy and prosperous India...," she said in a suo motu statement.

Noting that Mahatma Gandhi's birthday October 2 is observed as the International Day of Non-violence by United Nations, Swaraj said both days taken together highlight India's contribution to the international community.

"I would go as far as to say that they eiptomise the Indian way--a constructive approach focused on finding peaceful solutions to global challenges; that are in harmony with our environment," she said, quoting 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (world is one family)'.

While government advocates a proactive and innovative approach for making India and the greater south Asian region more prosperous, at the same time it acts on new measures to project India's soft power, its "unparalleled cultural richness, diversity and uniqueness of India and its people".