The United Nations Headquarters witnessed the historic launch of the inaugural World Meditation Day, marking a significant milestone in global efforts to promote mental and physical well-being through meditation. The event, held on Friday, featured a keynote address by renowned spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, who underscored the universal recognition of meditation’s transformative power.

Addressing the gathering, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar highlighted the unity among the 193 member states in acknowledging meditation as a vital tool for fostering health and harmony across humanity. “With the efforts of the Permanent Missions of India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Mexico, Liechtenstein, and Andorra, all member states came together to acknowledge the power of meditation in bringing health and harmony to all of humanity,” he shared in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

The event saw enthusiastic participation from diplomats, senior United Nations officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and dignitaries, including UN General Assembly President Philemon Yang and Under-Secretary-General Atul Khare. Reflecting on the turnout, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar noted, “The enthusiasm of the large number of diplomats and decision-makers attending on a Friday evening during the holiday season shows the recognition of meditation and its relevance in the modern world.”

The United Nations General Assembly recently adopted a historic resolution designating December 21 as World Meditation Day. This annual global observance aims to celebrate meditation’s profound impact on mental and physical well-being and its potential to promote peace and unity worldwide. According to an official release by the Art of Living Foundation, the resolution marks a new era in embracing meditation as a cornerstone of personal and collective development.

The Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations commemorated the occasion with a special event at the UN headquarters on December 20. This landmark celebration underscores the growing recognition of meditation as an essential practice in addressing modern challenges and fostering global harmony.

World Meditation Day promises to inspire individuals and communities worldwide to incorporate meditation into their daily lives, highlighting its role in building a healthier and more peaceful world.