Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the International Yoga Day in Srinagar, often referred to as the "land of sadhna," by highlighting the global expansion of yoga and its benefits. During an event in Jammu and Kashmir's capital city, PM Modi emphasized the holistic impact of yoga on individual and collective welfare, stating, "Yoga helps its practitioners realize that our welfare is related to the welfare of the world around us."
Reflecting on the growing popularity of yoga over the past decade, the Prime Minister noted the significant rise in practitioners and the emergence of a thriving "yoga economy" in India. "The expansion of yoga has generated employment in India," PM Modi remarked, underscoring the economic opportunities created by this ancient Indian practice.
In 2014, following PM Modi's proposal, the United Nations declared June 21st as International Yoga Day. Addressing the audience, he said, "I extend greetings to people of the country and people performing yoga in every corner of the world on Yoga Day. International Yoga Day has completed a historic journey of 10 years. This proposal by India was supported by 177 nations, and this was a record in itself. Since then, Yoga Day has been creating new records."
During his two-day tour to Srinagar, PM Modi expressed his joy in visiting the land of yoga and spiritual practice. "I have got an opportunity to come to the land of 'yoga' and 'sadhna'. In Srinagar, we can feel the 'shakti' that we get from yoga. I extend my wishes on the occasion of Yoga Day from the land of Kashmir to people performing yoga all across India and the world," he said.
PM Modi also highlighted the role of yoga in boosting tourism in India. "In the last 10 years, the expansion of Yoga has changed the perception related to Yoga?Today, the world is seeing a new Yoga economy going forward. In India, from Rishikesh and Kashi to Kerala, a new connection of Yoga tourism is being seen. Tourists from across the world are coming to India because they want to learn authentic Yoga in India?People are even keeping personal Yoga trainers for their fitness?All of these have created new opportunities for the youth, new employment opportunities for youth," he added.
The Prime Minister noted the continuous increase in global yoga practitioners and their growing curiosity about the practice. "Their attraction towards yoga is also on the rise. Wherever I go and whoever (global leaders) I meet, they ask me about yoga with curiosity. Yoga is becoming a part of daily life,? he said.
Emphasizing the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of yoga, PM Modi urged people to incorporate yoga into their daily routines. "Yoga fosters strength, good health, and wellness," he asserted, advocating for its widespread adoption.
In a special mention, PM Modi lauded the contributions of a 101-year-old French yoga teacher who was honored with the Padma Shri for her lifelong dedication to promoting yoga, despite never having visited India. "Today, research on Yoga is being done in prestigious universities and institutions around the world; research papers are being published," he added, highlighting the global academic interest in yoga.
