UNESCO has included yoga into the list of intangible cultural heritages of humanity, announced the Indian Foreign Ministry.  The prestigious list in recognition of its influence on Indian society, from health and medicine to education and the arts the world heritage committee.

• The list of intangible cultural treasures was created 10 years ago, mainly to increase awareness about them, while UNESCO also sometimes offers financial or technical support to countries struggling to protect them.
• The Paris-based UN body added Cuba’s rumba dance and Belgium’s beer culture to the list, which also includes the Mediterranean diet, Peking opera and the Peruvian scissors dance.
• The list now comprises 814 cultural sites, 203 natural ones and 35 with both natural and cultural qualities such as Australia’s Uluru national park, formerly known as Ayer’s Rock.
• The fact that yoga has been included into UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list is a diplomatic victory for India.
• According to report, 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.
• 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.
• The committee concludes its review of nominations to the list of “representative intangible cultural heritage of humanity”