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Indian missions around the world celebrated the first-ever World Meditation Day on Saturday, showcasing the profound impact of meditation on mental and physical well-being. The day, designated by the United Nations General Assembly, aligns with the Winter Solstice, symbolizing a time of reflection and renewal.
India Hosts Meditation for Global Peace at the UN
At the United Nations headquarters in New York, India hosted a special event titled Meditation for Global Peace and Harmony at the Trusteeship Council. India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, P. Harish, emphasized the ancient Indian practice of Dhyana (meditation), calling it a tool for achieving inner calm and global harmony.
“Happy that UN General Assembly President Philemon Yang, Under-Secretary-General for Operational Support Atul Khare, spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, and many Permanent Representatives joined us to celebrate this auspicious event,” Harish remarked, expressing pride in meditation’s global recognition.
The resolution to declare December 21 as World Meditation Day was adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 6, with India playing a key role alongside countries like Liechtenstein, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Mexico, and Andorra.
Celebrations Across the Globe
In Laos, the Indian Embassy collaborated with Art of Living and Holiday Inn Vientiane to mark the occasion. Indian Ambassador Prashant Agrawal encouraged participants to embrace meditation for peace and personal well-being. Attendees practiced simple meditation techniques, showcasing its accessibility and transformative potential.
Nepal, co-sponsor of the UN resolution, also hosted events to highlight its spiritual heritage. At the UN celebration, Nepal’s Permanent Representative Lok Thapa described Nepal as Tapobhumi—a land of meditation—and emphasized its power to unite people and foster harmony.
In South America, the Consulate General of India in São Paulo organized a session at the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, where Consul General Hansraj Singh Verma discussed the importance of meditation. The session included a guided practice led by Dr. Luisa Gondim of Art of Living.
The High Commission of India in Sri Lanka hosted a serene morning meditation session at Mayurapathy Meditation Hall in Colombo. The Indian Consulate in Bhutan gathered over 140 participants, including Bhutanese dignitaries and Indian community members, for a meditation session at Phuentsholing Central Park.
The Indian Embassy in Argentina added a cultural twist to its celebrations, blending yoga, gastronomy, and Indian traditions in its observance of the day.
Global Leaders and Messages of Peace
Indian missions in Hong Kong and Johannesburg extended messages encouraging mindfulness. The Indian Embassy in Johannesburg shared, “Even a few minutes of mindfulness can make a big difference. Find your inner peace on World Meditation Day!”
In his reflections, P. Harish highlighted the connection between the Winter Solstice and the Indian tradition of uttarayana, an auspicious time for self-reflection. He also underscored India’s ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the belief that “the world is one family”—as the foundation for its leadership in global well-being.
A Global Pathway to Peace and Harmony
The celebrations of World Meditation Day emphasized meditation’s universal appeal as a tool for cultivating peace, fostering harmony, and enhancing personal well-being. With its roots in ancient Indian traditions, meditation now stands as a bridge connecting people across cultures and nations, united in the pursuit of inner calm and global harmony.
