Winning Pose

Setting the Guinness World Record for most nationalities at a yoga session on the ninth international yoga day was a testament to the transformative nature of yoga

- RUCHIRA KAMBOJ

YOGA HAS TRANSCENDED borders and gained immense popularity worldwide for its physical, mental and spiritual benefits.

The United Nations’ proclamation of June 21 as International Yoga Day, spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with his participation in the festivities marking the ninth International Yoga Day at the UN this year, added an exceptional and incomparable essence to the occasion.

The Permanent Mission of India to the UN in New York embarked upon a remarkable journey to attempt a Guinness World Record for most nationalities at a yoga session. This endeavour not only aimed to break an existing record, but also to celebrate the power of yoga in bringing people together, fostering unity and highlighting the significance of holistic well-being.

The organisation of the event required meticulous planning and coordination. We carefully researched the guidelines set by the Guinness World Records. We collaborated with the UN Secretariat, secured the prestigious North Lawn which is adorned by a bust of Mahatma Gandhi, roped in a certified yoga teacher, and were ‘lucky’ with schoolchildren (aged eight to 14) who would be the instructors for the day. We could not have asked for a better master of ceremonies than the chair of the International Yoga Day Committee of the UN. And finally, a clutch of enthusiastic volunteers from the Indian community effectively backstopped us, as we grappled with the logistics and facilities.