Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the celebrations for the 10th International Day of Yoga on Friday in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir. The event, initially scheduled for 6:30 am at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) on the banks of Dal Lake, faced disruptions due to heavy rain. Consequently, arrangements were shifted indoors.
After the rain ceased, the Prime Minister shared pictures from Dal Lake, highlighting the event’s significance. This year’s theme, ‘Yoga for Self and Society’, emphasizes yoga’s profound impact on individual well-being and societal harmony.
Prime Minister’s Address on Yoga Day:
Addressing the nation, PM Modi extended greetings and noted the growing global practice of yoga. “I extend greetings to people of the country and those performing yoga worldwide on Yoga Day. The number of people practising yoga is growing worldwide,” he said.
PM Narendra Modi highlighted the historic journey of International Yoga Day, which began in 2014 with a proposal at the United Nations supported by 177 nations. “Since then, Yoga Day has been creating new records,” he remarked.
He discussed the evolving perception of yoga over the past decade, noting the rise of a “yoga economy” and increased yoga tourism in India, from Rishikesh and Kashi to Kerala. “Tourists from across the world are coming to India to learn authentic yoga,” he added.
Importance of Yoga:
The Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized yoga’s health benefits and urged everyone to incorporate it into their daily lives. “Yoga is for self and society,” he reiterated.
Praising Srinagar, PM Modi said, “I have got an opportunity to come to the land of ‘yoga’ and ‘sadhana’. In Srinagar, we can feel the ‘shakti’ that we get from yoga.”
He also highlighted the story of Charlotte Chopin, a 101-year-old yoga teacher from France awarded the Padma Shri this year. “She dedicated her entire life to creating awareness about yoga. Today, research on yoga is being conducted in prestigious universities and institutions worldwide,” PM Modi said.
The Prime Minister concluded by celebrating yoga’s role in fostering strength, good health, and wellness, expressing his delight in joining this year’s program in Srinagar.
