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The United Nations (UN) has adopted a resolution announcing December 21 as World Meditation Day. The resolution was sponsored by a group of countries which included India, Sri Lanka, Liechtenstein, Nepal, Mexico, and Andorra. India’s permanent representative to the UN, ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, revealed this in a post on X. The full post is given below:

”A day for comprehensive well-being and inner transformation! 

Glad that India along with other nations of the core group guided the unanimous adoption of the resolution on declaration of 21 December as World Meditation Day @UN General Assembly today. 

India’s leadership in overall human well-being stems from our civilizational dictum of #VasudhaivaKutumbakam - the whole world is one family. 

21 December marks the Winter Solstice, which in Indian tradition is the beginning of Uttarayana – an auspicious time of the year, especially for inner reflection. 

India had taken the lead in declaration of 21 June, which marks Summer Solstice, as International Day of Yoga by the @UN in 2014. In a decade, it has become a global movement which has led to common people across the globe practising yoga and making it part of their daily lives.”

The United Nations, on its website, has uploaded an article highlighting the history and benefits of meditation. 

“According to archaeologists, meditation dates back to 5,000 BCE, and the practice itself has ties in ancient Egypt and China, Judaism, Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism and Buddhism. Estimates suggest that between 200 and 500 million people practice meditation worldwide. Meditation can help reduce stress, blood pressure and anxiety, promote emotional health, enhance self-awareness and improve sleep,” it says.

“Meditation is increasingly recognized for its contributions to mental health — a fundamental human right — and its alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). According to WHO, meditation can be a powerful self-care tool to support treatment and enhance overall well-being, particularly in managing symptoms of anxiety. Incorporating mindfulness meditation into your daily routine, even for just a few minutes, can help you achieve a sense of calm and focus.” 

“In times of global challenges, such as armed conflicts, climate crises, and rapid technological advancements, meditation offers a powerful means to cultivate peace, unity, and compassion. World Meditation Day reminds us of the importance of nurturing human consciousness to address these issues and create harmony within ourselves and our communities. By fostering inner peace through meditation, individuals contribute to building a more resilient and sustainable world for current and future generations,” the article concludes. 

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