Yoga, India’s one of the ancient practices has now been inscribed as an element in the UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of humanity during the 11th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. During this session, India’s proposal for inscribing Yoga as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity was unanimously supported by all the 24 members of the Intergovernmental Committee.
Yoga has become the 13th intangible cultural heritage that has been listed from India so far with UNESCO. Previous ones includes the Chhau dance( Inscribed in 2010), the Buddhist chanting of Ladakh ( inscribed in 2012), Sankirtana –the ritual singing, drumming, and dancing of Manipur( inscribed in 2013), the traditional brass and copper craft of utensil making among the Thatheras of Jandiala Guru, Punjab(inscribed in 2014) and Ramlila- the traditional performance of the Ramayana ( inscribed in 2008).
Indian ancient knowledge, wisdom and practices buzzing off globally and glowing with its proved importance for the humanity and now the world is coming forth to accept it understanding its invaluable and unique impact one the physical, mental, and spiritual of a person.
The delegation from India that attended the Intergovernmental Committee Meeting was lead by the permanent representative of India to UNESCO, Ms. Ruchira Kamboj and a Government of India representative, Shri M. L. Srivastava, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Culture.
Never ever happened before! After #Yoga inscription, entire conference does Yogic breathing.#India #UNESCO pic.twitter.com/mUiE46LOSf
— Ruchira Kamboj (@RuchiraKamboj) 1 December 2016
“Never ever happened before! After #Yoga inscription, entire conference does Yogic breathing.” are the words of Ruchira who felt the glorious impact of India’s anciant wisdom charming the global mind.
RuchiraKamboj announced this news via twitter immediately after the UNESCO unanimously and with 100% votes inscribed Yoga as one of the intangible global heritage.
“#Yoga just inscribed by UNESCO. Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. 24/24 Votes, Journey frm #Indian 2 #WorldHeritage completed” wrote Ruchira on her twitter.
…Today, with UNESCO’s inscription #Yoga becomes a “Human Treasure”#India pic.twitter.com/WSy1ccsDLO
— Ruchira Kamboj (@RuchiraKamboj) 1 December 2016
#Yoga just inscribed by UNESCO
✔️Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
✔️24/24 Votes
✔️Journey frm #Indian 2 #WorldHeritage completed pic.twitter.com/qvL1SeHdIn— Ruchira Kamboj (@RuchiraKamboj) 1 December 2016
…#Yoga‘s inscription
Too many friends of #India feeling too happy! pic.twitter.com/LzzGav0wvH
— Ruchira Kamboj (@RuchiraKamboj) 1 December 2016
Acknowledging that the Yoga is an intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the UNESCO note says that Yoga is based on unifying the mind with the body and soul to allow for greater mental, spiritual and physical wellbeing, the values of yoga form a major part of the community’s ethos.
Just inscribed on the Representative List of #IntangibleHeritage https://t.co/rvo1ri6EfP #India pic.twitter.com/G4L4qH0ilZ
— UNESCO (@UNESCO) 1 December 2016
The UNESCO identifies Yoga as the philosophy behind the ancient Indian practice of yoga has influenced various aspects of how society in India functions, whether it be in relation to areas such as health and medicine or education and the arts.
