In a small cage. I knew at once that I wanted to keep him

INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY ESSAY 3 (400 WORDS) 
Introduction 
It is the Indian Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi who came up with the idea of 
celebrating International Yoga Day. By way of this he wanted to share this holistic 
approach of living that originated in India with the whole wide world. The United Nations 
General Assembly (UNGA) liked the proposal and 21st June was recognized as the 
International Yoga Day. It was celebrated for the first time in the year 2015. 
The Origin of Yoga 
Yoga is believed to find its roots in the Indian mythological era. It is said that it was Lord 
Shiva who gave birth to this art. Also known as Adi Yogi, Shiva is known to be the 
inspiration for all the yoga gurus around the world. 
More commonly, it is believed that it was the Indus-Sarasvati civilization in the Northen 
India that initiated this brilliant art as many as 5,000 years ago. It is the Rig Veda that is 
said to have mentioned this term for the first time. However, the first systematic 
presentation of yoga is said to be done by Pantanjali in the classical period. 
Reason Why International Yoga Day Celebrated on 21st June 
Indian Prime Minister, Mr Narendra Modi, who proposed the idea of celebrating Yoga Day 
also suggested that it should be celebrated on the 21st June. This was not just a random 
date suggested by him. There are certain reasons why this date was proposed to celebrate 
this occasion. 
21st June is the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere and is referred to as 
summer solstice. It marks a transition to Dakshinaya which is believed to be a period that 
supports the spiritual practices. It is thus considered a good period to practice the spiritual 
art of yoga. 

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Besides, legend has it that it was during this transition period that Lord Shiva enlightened 
the spiritual gurus by sharing knowledge about the art of yoga with them. 
All these points were considered by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and 21st 
June was finally recognized as International Yoga Day. 
Conclusion 
The good part is that Mr. Modi and UNGA did not only mark 21st June as International 
Yoga Day but also made efforts to make this day a success when it finally arrived. The first 
yoga day was celebrated at a large scale in India. Many notable personalities from around 
the world participated in it. Since then it is celebrated with equal zeal and enthusiasm in 
the country as well as in other parts of the world.