PM Modi Celebrates International Yoga Day in Srinagar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the 10th International Yoga Day with a remarkable event in Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar. Over his two day visit, PM Modi accentuated yoga’s profound impact on societal and individual well- being, leading a large gathering in the breathtaking surroundings of Dal Lake.

A Picturesque Setting for Yoga

The event took place at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC), with the idyllic Dal Lake as its backdrop. Despite the event moving indoors due to heavy rain, the enthusiasm remained on peak, with over 7,000 participants joining PM Modi in performing yoga. This year’s theme is, “Yoga for Self and Society,” highlights yoga’s dual role in promoting personal health and nurturing community well being.

Yoga’s Global Significance

PM Modi highlighted yoga’s growing global significance while addressing the nation from the SKICC. “The world is looking at yoga as a powerful agent of global good. Yoga helps us live in the present moment without the baggage of the past,” PM said. He gave effusive greetings to people worldwide who participated in Yoga Day celebrations.

PM Modi appreciated the increasing number of people embracing yoga globally. “Wherever I go, there is hardly any international leader who does not talk to me about the benefits of yoga,” he observed. He recalled the day when he proposed International Day of Yoga to the United Nations in 2014, which received thumbs up from 177 nations.

Yoga’s Evolution and Impact

Reflecting on the evolution of Yoga Day, PM mentioned, “Since then, Yoga Day has been creating new records.” He ascribed the growing popularity of yoga to its ability to nurture inner peace and societal transformation. “When we are peaceful within, we can also make a positive impact on the world.. Yoga is making new ways of positive change in society,” PM added.

Citing the example of 101 year old Frenchwoman Charlotte Chopin, who was awarded the Padma Shri for promoting and popularizing yoga in France, PM depicted yoga’s global reach and influence.

Boosting Tourism and Employment

The PM also discussed yoga’s role in boosting tourism in India. “We are now seeing yoga tourism in states like Uttarakhand and Kerala. People are coming to India because they get to see authentic yoga,” he stated. He also noted that personal yoga trainers and corporate wellness programs and initiatives are becoming more popular, creating new and better employment opportunities.

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Underscoring yoga’s relevance in the modern era, PM Modi said, “Yoga is not only knowledge but it is science as well. In this era of information revolution, there is a flood of information sources and it is a challenge for the human mind to focus on one subject. A solution for this is also in yoga as it helps the mind to focus. That is why from the army to sports, yoga has been included in their routine.”

He also mentioned that astronauts and others who are involved in space projects are trained in yoga to refine tolerance and productivity.

Yoga’s Growing Popularity in Jammu and Kashmir

Expressing satisfaction with yoga’s growing popularity in Jammu and Kashmir, PM Modi remarked that this trend would benefit the region’s tourism sector. “The growing number of yoga followers in the region is a positive sign and will contribute to the local tourism industry,” PM said.

PM Modi’s leadership on International Yoga Day not only highlights yoga’s importance for individual health but also its potential to nurture societal well being and global harmony.