The Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations in New York organized ‘Meditation for Global Peace and Harmony’ to mark First World Meditation Day at the UN Headquarters in New York on December 20, that saw attendance by over 600 people.
The landmark event was attended by Philemon Yang, President of the General Assembly, Under Secretary General Atul Khare and several other dignitaries. Keynote address on the occasion was delivered by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, who also conducted a special meditation session during the event to the 600 enthusiastic participants, a statement said.
Permanent Representative of India to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, in his welcome address, underscored the importance of the ancient Indian practice of Dhyana as an instrument for personal fulfillment and inner peace, rooted in the civilizational dictum of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – the whole world is one family. He added that the United Nations General Assembly resolution on World Meditation Day acknowledged the link between yoga and meditation as complementary approaches to health and well-being.
The President of General Assembly noted that meditation cultivates compassion and respect for people. Speaking on the occasion, Under Secretary General Khare outlined the inherent connect between mental health and meditation and the profound impact of meditation on United Nations Peacekeepers. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar highlighted multiple benefits and dimensions associated with meditation in his keynote address.
It may be recalled that on December 6, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted the resolution, declaring December 21 as World Meditation Day. India was instrumental in the unanimous adoption of the said resolution. Adoption of the resolution at such a time highlights the importance of promoting calm, peace, and overall human well-being when the world is facing conflicts and suffering. It also marks a significant milestone in global recognition of meditation’s transformative potential.
December 21 marks the Winter Solstice, and in the Indian tradition, Uttarayana begins with the Winter Solstice and is considered as an auspicious time of the year, especially for meditation and inner reflection. It also falls exactly six months after the International Day of Yoga on 21 June, which is the Summer Solstice, the statement added
India’s permanent mission in the UN posted on X:
“@IndiaUNNewYork organized “Meditation for Global Peace and Harmony” at the @UN Trusteeship Council today to mark the First #WorldMeditationDay, with the enthusiastic participation of more than 600 guests.
“Special thanks to @UN_PGA H.E. Philemon Yang, USG Atul Khare @UN_OpSupport, senior UN officials, PRs, members of the diplomatic corps and other dignitaries for attending.
“PR @AmbHarishP underlined the importance of the ancient Indian practice of Dhyana as an instrument of achieving inner peace and self-fulfillment.
“Keynote speaker @Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar conducted a special meditation session for the participants.”
