Modi’s Yoga Legacy and Poland’s Enthusiasm
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarks on a two-day visit to Poland, the country’s growing enthusiasm for yoga is once again in the spotlight. It was Modi who first proposed the idea of International Yoga Day during his speech at the UN General Assembly on September 27, 2014, which led to the establishment of June 21 as International Yoga Day. Since then, Poland has embraced the celebration of Yoga Day with great enthusiasm.
Poland’s Rich Yoga Heritage
Poland’s connection with yoga, however, goes back over 100 years. According to the Indian Embassy in Poland, the country now boasts more than 300,000 yoga practitioners, around 1,000 yoga centers, and 8,000 instructors who promote this spiritual discipline. The Association of Schools of Yoga, which began in 2013 with 11 yoga schools, has expanded to include 50 schools under its umbrella. Prominent organizations like The Art of Living Foundation, Brahma Kumaris University, and the Association of Yoga Iyengar are actively promoting yoga in Poland.
Growing Acceptance and Overcoming Skepticism
While yoga has long been practiced in Poland, its acceptance is currently on the rise, with more Polish citizens exploring its benefits. Although traditional views within the Catholic Church once influenced skepticism due to yoga’s connections to Jainism, Buddhism, and Hinduism, growing interest is helping yoga become a more prominent and embraced practice in Polish society.
Modi’s Landmark Visit to Poland
Prime Minister Modi’s upcoming visit to Poland, scheduled for August 21-22, marks a significant diplomatic event. Tanmaya Lal, Secretary (West) of the Ministry of External Affairs, highlighted that this is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Poland in 45 years and coincides with the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Following his Poland visit, Modi is set to travel to Ukraine on August 23.
