The United Nations(UN) observed the first ever ‘World Meditation Day’ on December 21 2024 to emphasize the profound mental, physical, and social benefits of meditation, while fostering peace and unity worldwide.
- World Meditation Day is a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of meditation in navigating the complexities of contemporary life.
About Meditation:
i.Meditation is a practice that involves focusing the mind and eliminating distractions to achieve a state of mental clarity, calm, and relaxation.
ii.Meditation, deeply rooted in ancient traditions, has been proven to provide a wide range of benefits.
- It includes Mental Health, Physical Health, Improved Focus and Attention, Emotional Well-being and Better Sleep.
Background:
i.On November 29 2024, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declared December 21 as ‘World Meditation Day’ following the unanimous adoption of a resolution co-sponsored by 6 countries comprising India, Sri Lanka, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Mexico and Nepal.
- The resolution was adopted on December 6 2024, by the 193-member UNGA.
ii.The resolution, introduced by Liechtenstein, was also cosponsored by Bangladesh, Bulgaria, Burundi, the Dominican Republic, Iceland, Luxembourg, Mauritius, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Portugal and Slovenia.
Key Points:
i.World Meditation Day’s adoption at the UNGA reflects global recognition of meditation’s power to improve well-being.
ii.The declaration coincides with the day of “Winter Solstice”-December 21, a time of spiritual reflection in Indian tradition marking the beginning of Uttarayana, a period believed to be auspicious for meditation.
iii.The day falls 6 months after the International Day of Yoga (June 21), a similar initiative led by India in 2014 that has become a global movement.
iv.The Resolution recognizes meditation’s contribution to health and well-being and its universality.
- 71 states from all geographical regions and cultural backgrounds co-sponsored the resolution which was adopted by consensus.
Events:
i.The UN Permanent Mission of India to the UN organized a special event with the theme “Meditation for Global Peace and Harmony” to mark the first ever ‘World Meditation Day’ at the UN headquarters in New York, United States of America (USA).
- The event featured a live, global meditation session, led by the respected Indian spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (Indian guru and spiritual leader), founder of the Art of Living Foundation.
ii.As the chief guest, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar guided participants through a meditation experience designed to promote mental well-being and encourage global peace.
About United Nation General Assembly (UNGA):
President – Philemon Yang(Cameroon)
Headquarters- New York, the United States of America (USA)
Established- 1945
Members- 193
