Kathmandu, Dec. 11: The United Nations has officially declared December 21 as World Meditation Day, a global observance dedicated to highlighting the transformative benefits of meditation and promoting its practice for physical, mental and spiritual well-being. The declaration came on December 7. This landmark resolution, unanimously adopted, received strong backing from Nepal, India, Liechtenstein, Sri Lanka, Mexico and Andorra, among other nations.
Swami Anand Arun, founder of Osho Tapoban in Nepal, had initiated and championed this proposal. Over the years, he has passionately advocated for a global day of meditation, writing extensively and delivering inspiring lectures on its importance.In 2019, Swami Arun’s efforts were recognised during his visit to Virginia, USA, where the state passed a proclamation honouring his contributions to meditation. Additionally, Swami Arun actively worked with the Nepal government to elevate the proposal to the global stage. Earlier, in meetings with Nepal’s Home, Education and Foreign Ministries, he emphasised the significance of a World Meditation Day to address modern challenges through inner peace and collective mindfulness.
On February 18, 2019, Swami Arun presented the proposal at the Permanent Mission of Nepal to the United Nations in New York. His discussions with the Head of Mission, Nirmal Raj Kafle, received positive assurances that the proposal would be brought before the UN.In October 2023, during UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ historic visit to Lumbini, Nepal, the proposal gained further momentum. Nepal’s Deputy Prime Minister, Narayan Kaji Shrestha, formally presented the initiative to the Secretary-General, who expressed his appreciation for the idea.
This meeting underscored Nepal’s pivotal role in championing meditation as a global priority.Swami Arun said, “Nepal, a stunning land of the Himalayas, rivers and mountains, has long been a destination for inner exploration and spiritual transformation. It fills me with boundless joy to see our tireless efforts culminate in the recognition of December 21 as the International Day of Meditation by the United Nations General Assembly, with Nepal proudly part of the core group.”The day will now be celebrated worldwide with events, workshops and meditative practices aimed at promoting inner peace and universal connectedness.
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