UNESCO has included yoga into the list of intangible cultural heritages of humanity, announced the Indian Foreign Ministry’s spokesman Vikas Swarup, reports RIA Novosti.
"The fact that yoga has been included into UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list is a diplomatic victory for India", told Swarup to reporters.
According to him, all 24 members voted in favor of this decision. " It emphasises yoga's role as a social practice, an oral tradition, and a system of ancient and scientific knowledge facilitating an enhanced harmony and peace across caste, creed, gender, age and nationality," said the diplomat.
He also added, that UNESCO’s recognition will help to pay more attention to relevant structures in India. It will also encourage dialogue on ideas of peace and tolerance.