The UN General Assembly has unanimously passed a resolution, co-sponsored by India, designating December 21 as World Meditation Day.
UNGA Unanimously Adopts India’s Co-Sponsored Proposal: December 21 Declared as World Meditation Day
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has unanimously approved a resolution co-sponsored by India, designating December 21 as World Meditation Day. India’s Ambassador to the UN highlighted that this date marks the winter solstice, which, according to Indian tradition, signifies the beginning of Uttarayan, an auspicious time of the year for introspection and meditation.
A Collaborative Effort
The proposal was jointly presented by India and several nations, including Liechtenstein, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Mexico, and Andorra. It gained additional support from countries such as Bangladesh, Bulgaria, Burundi, the Dominican Republic, Iceland, Luxembourg, Mauritius, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Portugal, and Slovenia. Together, they addressed the 193-member assembly, providing comprehensive insights into the significance of the initiative.
India’s Perspective on the Resolution
Following the resolution’s adoption, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Parvataneni Harish, expressed his joy in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating:
“A day of widespread betterment and inner transformation! Glad that India, along with other countries of the core group, guided the unanimous adoption of the proposal to declare December 21 as World Meditation Day.”
Harish emphasized India’s commitment to global human welfare, rooted in the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—”the whole world is one family.”
Significance of December 21
The day of the winter solstice holds cultural and spiritual importance in Indian tradition, symbolizing a shift toward longer days and brighter times. It is considered an ideal moment for self-reflection and meditation, aligning with the essence of World Meditation Day.
Linking Yoga and Meditation
World Meditation Day will be observed six months after International Yoga Day, which falls on June 21, the summer solstice. This timing reflects the complementary relationship between yoga and meditation. India’s leadership was instrumental in establishing International Yoga Day in 2014, which has since grown into a global movement encouraging people to incorporate yoga into their daily lives.
With this new initiative, India continues to champion holistic well-being on a global stage, promoting practices that foster inner peace and mindfulness.
