Sri Sri Ravi Shankar at the United Nations
World Meditation Day was celebrated for the first time in the United Nations. India’s Permanent Mission to the UN organized ‘Meditation for Global Peace and Harmony’ on the occasion of the first World Meditation Day at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on Friday (December 20). General Assembly President Philemon Yang, Under Secretary General Atul Khare and many other officials were present in this historic event. The keynote address on this occasion was given by spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar also gave a special meditation session to over 600 enthusiastic participants during the event.
Meditation is a means of inner peace
Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, gave the welcome speech. During this time he underlined the importance of the ancient Indian practice of meditation as a means of personal fulfillment and inner peace, based on the civilizational principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – the whole world is one family. He said that the United Nations General Assembly resolution on World Meditation Day has acknowledged the relationship between yoga and meditation as complementary approaches to health and well-being.
officials present in UN
Meditation creates compassion and respect
General Assembly President Philemon Yang said meditation cultivates compassion and respect for people. Speaking on the occasion, Under-Secretary-General Atul Khare underlined the inherent connection between mental health and meditation and the profound impact of meditation on UN peacekeepers. Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in his keynote address emphasized on the many benefits and dimensions associated with meditation.
World Meditation Day declared on 21st December
Let us tell you that on December 6, 2024, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously passed a resolution declaring December 21 as World Meditation Day. India played an important role in unanimously adopting the said resolution. The adoption of the resolution highlights the importance of promoting peace, tranquility and overall human well-being at a time when the world is experiencing conflict and suffering. It also marks an important milestone in the global recognition of the transformative potential of meditation.
Participants meditating in UN
This is the most auspicious time of the year
The winter solstice occurs on December 21st. In Indian tradition, Uttarayan begins with the winter solstice. This is considered the most auspicious time of the year. It is especially auspicious for meditation and inner contemplation. It falls exactly six months after International Yoga Day on 21 June, which is the summer solstice.
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