Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Friday, took the lead in celebrating the International Day of Yoga in Srinagar. He emphasized the global significance of yoga as a positive force. Speaking from the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC), PM Modi highlighted the increasing number of people worldwide who are embracing yoga.
According to PM Modi, yoga is now being recognized as a potent catalyst for global well-being. It enables individuals to live in the present moment, free from the burdens of the past. Despite the event being relocated indoors due to continuous rainfall, the enthusiasm among participants remained high. PM Modi extended his greetings to the people of the nation and those practicing yoga across the globe on this special occasion.
PM Modi noted that yoga has become an integral part of the daily routine for many individuals worldwide. He emphasized that the number of yoga enthusiasts is consistently increasing, and wherever he travels, leaders from various countries express their appreciation for the benefits of yoga.
On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of International Yoga Day, the Prime Minister reflected on how he proposed this initiative to the United Nations in 2014, receiving support from 177 nations.
Modi highlighted the continuous growth and global significance of International Yoga Day, stating that it has been setting new records since its inception.
He credited the increasing number of individuals engaging in yoga worldwide to its ability to promote inner peace and bring about societal change. “By finding peace within ourselves, we can positively influence the world…Yoga is paving the way for positive transformations in society,” he emphasized.
Highlighting the global impact of yoga, PM Modi shared the story of 101-year-old Frenchwoman Charlotte Chopin, who was honored with the Padma Shri for her efforts in popularizing yoga in France.
Furthermore, he discussed how yoga has played a role in enhancing tourism in India. “States like Uttarakhand and Kerala are now witnessing a rise in yoga tourism. Travelers are drawn to India for an authentic yoga experience,” he pointed out.
The Prime Minister also noted the increasing prevalence of personal yoga instructors and corporate wellness initiatives, creating new opportunities for employment.
PM Modi emphasized the advantages of yoga, stating that it provides solutions to contemporary issues. He highlighted that yoga is not only a form of knowledge, but also a scientific discipline. In the current era of information overload, where numerous sources of information are available, it becomes a challenge for the human mind to concentrate on a single subject. However, yoga offers a solution by helping the mind to focus. This is why yoga has been incorporated into the routines of various sectors, ranging from the military to sports.
Furthermore, PM Modi mentioned that astronauts and individuals involved in space projects undergo yoga training to enhance their productivity and tolerance.
Expressing his contentment with the increasing popularity of yoga in Jammu and Kashmir, PM Modi stated that this trend would positively impact the region’s tourism sector.