In a bid to raise awareness about meditation and its benefits, the UN General Assembly proclaimed December 21 as World Meditation Day, recalling the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.

"Additionally, the General Assembly acknowledged the link between yoga and meditation as complementary approaches to health and well-being," read the UN website.

Indian PM Narendra Modi has called upon everyone to make meditation a part of their daily lives on World Meditation Day, on Saturday. 

Prime Minister Modi said meditation is a powerful way to bring peace and harmony to one’s life, as well as to our society and planet.

In a post on X, he wrote: "Today, on World Meditation Day, I call upon everyone to make meditation a part of their daily lives and experience its transformative potential. Meditation is a powerful way to bring peace and harmony to one’s life, as well as to our society and planet. In the age of technology, Apps and guided videos can be valuable tools to help incorporate meditation into our routines.”

Marking the event, Indian spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar led the meditation session at the UN headquarters in New York.

After delivering the speech, Ravi Shankar wrote on X: "Gave the keynote address at the launch of the 1st World Meditation Day at @UN Headquarters, facilitated by Permanent Representative of India @AmbHarishP in the presence of @UN_PGA H.E. Philemon Yang, USG Atul Khare @UN_OpSupport
, senior UN officials, PRs, members of the diplomatic corps and other dignitaries."

"With the efforts of the Permanent Missions of India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Mexico, Liechtenstein and Andorra, all 193 member states came together to acknowledge the power of meditation in bringing health and harmony to all of humanity. #WorldMeditationDay," he said.

Benefits of meditation

Beyond individual benefits, meditation fosters empathy, collaboration, and a sense of shared purpose, contributing to collective well-being. Celebrated for its universality, meditation is practiced across all regions of the world by people of all ages, backgrounds, and lifestyles, read the UN website.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes the significant benefits of meditation, particularly mindfulness meditation. WHO's discussions on stress management underscore the importance of learning coping mechanisms, such as meditation, to support mental and physical well-being.

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.

Additionally, WHO acknowledges the mental health benefits of practices like yoga, which often incorporate meditative elements. On the International Day of Yoga, WHO highlighted yoga's contributions to lifelong health and well-being, emphasizing its role in promoting healthier populations and a more equitable and sustainable world.