Yoga: A Timeless Indian Gift to Humanity
The root of the word Yoga is the Sanskrit word Yuj, which means to unite or to join. At its deepest level, yoga is about experiencing the unity of existence-seeing the reflection of the divine within ourselves and in everything around us.
One explanation that has always resonated with me is by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev:
“Yoga is Hindu just the way gravity is Christian. Just because the law of gravity was propounded by Isaac Newton, who lived in a Christian culture, does it make gravity Christian? Yoga is a technology. Anybody who is willing to make use of it can make use of it. It is ridiculous to even think that there could be a religious tinge to yoga.”
I wholeheartedly agree with this perspective. Yoga is a universal science of human wellbeing. It belongs to anyone who sincerely wishes to practise it, irrespective of nationality, religion, or culture.
However, acknowledging yoga’s universality should never come at the cost of erasing its origins.
In recent years, there have been conscious attempts to present yoga as something detached from its Indian roots. Such efforts are historically inaccurate and intellectually dishonest. Yoga did not emerge in isolation; it is a profound gift of the ancient Indian civilization. Its philosophy, practices, and spiritual framework have been an integral part of Indian life for thousands of years, guiding generations towards better physical health, mental balance, and spiritual growth.
Recognising yoga’s Indian origin does not make it exclusive-it simply honours the truth of its history.
As a proud Indian, I celebrate International Yoga Day with immense joy and gratitude.
Over the years, I have witnessed its remarkable impact in creating awareness among people from diverse social and economic backgrounds. I have seen many who were initially sceptical about yoga gradually embrace it and make it a part of their daily lives. This growing awareness reminds people that yoga is not a one-day celebration but a lifelong sadhana capable of enriching every aspect of human life.
For me, it does not matter who initiated International Yoga Day politically. What truly matters is that this timeless wisdom-born in India and meant for the benefit of all humanity-is reaching millions of people across the world.
Yoga is universal. Its benefits are for everyone. But its roots are undeniably Indian, and acknowledging those roots is not nationalism-it is simply respecting history.
