PM Narendra Modi on Friday extended his greetings to fellow countrymen and the global community on the 10th International Day of Yoga, which he kick-started in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing here the participants at SKICC overlooking the picturesque beauty of Dal Lake in surroundings, Modi emphasized the serene environment that Kashmir and Srinagar add toward that unique sense of strength obtained by doing yoga.
“When we proposed this programme in 2014, 177 countries supported India’s move and that in itself is a record. In 2015 a record number of 35,000 people participated in the Yoga celebrations in Delhi. Last year, representatives from 130 countries participated in the Yoga celebrations in the US. I am happy that over 100 institutions have received World recognition for imparting the training of Yoga," stated the Prime Minister.
He noted the growing global interest in yoga and its benefits.
“Interest in Yoga and the awareness towards its benefits is fast increasing. At the global level, when I meet leaders they ask me about the benefits of Yoga. Great World leaders are making Yoga a part of their daily life. In 2015, I inaugurated a Yoga institute in Turkmenistan. In Saudi Arabia, Yoga has been included in the academic curriculum. In Mongolia, there is a Yoga centre today. In European countries also the interest in Yoga is increasing. In Germany, 1.50 crore people practice Yoga. 101 French women have dedicated themselves to the knowledge of Yoga and this they did without coming to India," Modi shared.
Reflecting on the past decade, Modi observed how perceptions of yoga have transformed, turning it into a widespread movement. “In the last 10 years, perception about Yoga has changed and today Yoga has become a movement. Authentic Yoga lessons are now available at airports and hotels. Markets are selling Yoga apparel and equipment. People are engaging Yoga trainers for personal fitness and this has increased employment avenues for our youth,” he remarked.
The theme for this year's International Yoga Day, ‘Yoga for Self & Society,’ resonates globally as people seek relief from daily stresses. Modi said yoga is a way to unite the body, mind, and soul through meditation for increased concentration. He also added that nowadays, yoga is used in military training, sport trainings, even in space missions and prisons.
Expressing optimism, Modi said, “I am sure that the inspiration of Yoga will help tourism in Kashmir. Today, rain created some problems, but the interest in Yoga in Kashmir is highly encouraging. Today, 50 to 60 thousand people participated in Yoga in Kashmir despite inclement weather and for this, I greet the people of J&K.”
The outdoor yoga celebrations were delayed until 7:45 a.m. due to heavy rain in Srinagar.
Prime Minister Modi, along with Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, took part in the 10th International Yoga Day event. Following the celebrations, Modi engaged with yoga practitioners by the Dal Lake, took selfies with young participants on the SKICC lawns, and then departed for Raj Bhawan before returning to Delhi later in the day.
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