Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June.21 addressed the 10th International Day of Yoga (IYD) celebrations in Srinagar, expressing his gratitude for being present in the land of “Yog and Sadhna”. The Prime Minister led the yoga session and highlighted the significance of the day.
Addressing the gathering, PM Modi remarked, “The atmosphere, energy, and experience from yoga can be felt in Jammu and Kashmir today.” He extended his best wishes to all citizens and yoga practitioners globally on this significant day.
Marking a decade of IYD, the Prime Minister recalled the landmark endorsement by 177 countries of India's proposal at the United Nations, leading to the establishment of International Yoga Day. He mentioned subsequent records, such as the participation of 35,000 people on Kartavya Path in 2015 and over 130 countries joining the yoga event at the UN Headquarters last year. PM Modi expressed his happiness over the recognition of more than 100 institutes in India and 10 major foreign institutes by the Yoga Certification Board.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the growing global appeal of yoga, stating that its benefits are increasingly recognized worldwide. “All world leaders show a keen interest in yoga during their interactions with me,” he said, emphasizing that yoga has integrated into daily life across the globe.
He noted the establishment of yoga centers and the inclusion of yoga therapy in state medical universities in Turkmenistan, the incorporation of yoga in Saudi Arabia’s education system, and the widespread practice in Mongolia.
Interacting with the yoga practioners in Srinagar, J&K. Do watch. https://t.co/WCkPgtiSGx
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 21, 2024
In Europe, yoga’s popularity is evident with 1.5 crore German citizens practicing it. PM Modi also mentioned the Padma Shree award given to a 101-year-old French yoga teacher for her contributions, despite never having visited India. He noted the emergence of yoga as a research topic, with numerous research papers being published.
Discussing the evolving perceptions of yoga over the past decade, PM Modi introduced the concept of a new “Yoga Economy”, highlighting the rise of yoga tourism, retreats, resorts, and dedicated yoga facilities at airports and hotels. He noted the increasing demand for yoga apparel, equipment, personal trainers, and corporate wellness programs, all contributing to new employment opportunities for the youth.
Touching upon the theme of this year’s IYD, “Yoga for Self and Society”, PM Modi emphasized yoga’s role as a powerful agent of global good, enabling individuals to live in the present and realize their welfare is interconnected with the world. “Yoga helps us realize that our welfare is related to the welfare of the world around us. When we are peaceful within, we can also make a positive impact on the world,” he asserted.
The Prime Minister also highlighted yoga’s scientific aspects, and spoke about its importance in managing information overload and maintaining focus, a key reason for its adoption across various fields, including the military, sports, and space programs. He mentioned the use of yoga in prisons to spread positive thoughts among inmates, stating, “Yoga is scripting new pathways of positive change in society.”
PM Modi expressed confidence that the inspiration derived from yoga would energize collective efforts positively. He praised the enthusiasm of the people of Jammu and Kashmir towards yoga, noting the significant turnout despite rainy weather conditions. “Association of 50,000 to 60,000 people with yoga program in Jammu and Kashmir is huge,” he finally added.
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