PM speech in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir on the International Day of Yoga in 2024
“Yoga is becoming more and more popular worldwide.”
“You can feel the vibe, the energy, and the experience of yoga in Jammu & Kashmir today.”
“There is a new yoga economy emerging in the world today.”
“Yoga is viewed by the world as a potent force for good in the world.”
“Yoga enables us to live in the now without carrying the burdens of the past.”
“Yoga is creating new avenues for constructive social change.”
“Yoga aids in our realization that the well-being of the world around us is correlated with our own welfare.”
“Yoga is a science as well as a discipline.”
Today in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, on the 10th International Day of Yoga (IYD), Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi gave a speech. In addition to leading the festivities on International Yoga Day, the prime minister practiced yoga.
In his remarks on the International Day of Yoga, the Prime Minister thanked everyone for coming to Jammu & Kashmir, the home of yoga and sadhna. “Jammu & Kashmir today exudes the atmosphere, energy, and experience of yoga,” stated Shri Modi. On the International Day of Yoga, he wished everyone in the world—citizens and yoga practitioners alike—the very best.
The Prime Minister mentioned that International Yoga Day has been observed for ten years and mentioned that India’s UN request was supported by a record 177 nations. He also cited other records set at IYD, like the 35,000 yoga practitioners on Kartavya Path in 2015 and the over 130 countries that took part in the prime minister’s yoga event at the UN headquarters the previous year. He was also pleased that the Ministry of Ayush’s Yoga Certification Board had accredited over 100 Indian institutes and ten prominent international institutes.
The Prime Minister emphasized that while yoga’s popularity is always rising, less individuals are practicing it globally. He emphasized that people are beginning to appreciate the benefits of yoga and said that almost any global leader he has interacted with has not brought up the subject of yoga. “During their interactions with me, world leaders consistently demonstrate a strong interest in yoga,” he stated. He claimed that yoga is now a common practice everywhere in the world. The Prime Minister mentioned opening a yoga center while visiting Turkmenistan in 2015, and that yoga has since grown a lot in popularity there, shedding light on the practice’s expanding global appeal. He added that yoga therapy is now taught in Turkmenistan’s state medical universities, Saudi Arabia has integrated it into its educational program, and Mongolia’s Yoga Foundation operates numerous yoga institutes. The Prime Minister gave an update on the acceptance of yoga throughout Europe, stating that 1.5 crore German residents had taken up the practice to date. He also mentioned how, despite the fact that the 101-year-old French yoga instructor having never been to India, the country last year awarded a Padma Shree to her for her services to the yoga community. He went on to say that numerous research studies on yoga have already been published, and the subject is now being studied.
The Prime Minister discussed the notion of a new Yoga Economy and how perceptions of yoga have changed over the past ten years due to its growing popularity. He brought up the rising popularity of yoga tourism and the desire of individuals to travel to India to study real yoga. In addition, he listed yoga retreats, resorts, special yoga spaces at hotels and airports, yoga gear and clothing, personal yoga instructors, and businesses that promote mindfulness and yoga. He continued, “All of these are opening up new job opportunities for young people.”
Regarding this year’s International Yoga Day (IYD) subject, “Yoga for Self and Society,” Prime Minister Modi stated that yoga is seen by many as a potent force for good in the world, allowing us to live in the present without carrying the burdens of the past. “Yoga helps us realize that our welfare is related to the welfare of the world around us,” PM Modi emphasized. We may have a good influence on the world when we are at peace within.
The Prime Minister emphasized the scientific benefits of yoga and emphasized how important it is for focusing and managing information overload because, as he put it, concentration is the greatest power. The Prime Minister gave an explanation for this, saying that yoga is being used in everything from sports to the armed forces. In addition, astronauts receive yoga and meditation instruction. Prisons are also using yoga to help their convicts think positively. According to Prime Minister Modi, “Yoga is scripting new pathways of positive change in the society.”
The prime minister expressed confidence that our efforts will be energized positively by yoga-derived motivation. The Prime Minister applauded the passion with which the people of Jammu & Kashmir, particularly Srinagar, have embraced yoga, noting that it offers a means of enhancing the Union Territory’s tourism industry. In addition, he commended the people’s spirit for turning out to support the cause despite the gloomy weather. “There are between 50,000 and 60,000 people in Jammu and Kashmir who are involved in yoga programs,” he continued. In closing, the prime minister wished all yoga aficionados worldwide the very best and thanked the people of Jammu & Kashmir for their support and participation.
Context
The Prime Minister presided over the International Yoga Day celebrations at SKICC, Srinagar, on June 21, 2024, in honor of the 10th International Day of Yoga (IDY). The occasion this year highlights the significant influence yoga has on youthful bodies and brains. The festival intends to bring thousands of people together through yoga practice, promoting health and wellbeing worldwide.
Since 2015, the Prime Minister has presided over the International Day of Yoga (IDY) ceremonies at a number of famous venues, such as the UN headquarters in New York and the Kartavya Path in Delhi, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Ranchi, Lucknow, and Mysuru.
“Yoga for Self and Society,” this year’s theme, emphasizes the dual function that yoga plays in promoting both societal and individual well-being. The occasion will promote grassroots involvement and the expansion of yoga in rural regions.
Interacting with the yoga practioners in Srinagar, J&K. Do watch. https://t.co/WCkPgtiSGx
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 21, 2024
As we mark the 10th International Day of Yoga, I urge everyone to make it a part of their daily lives. Yoga fosters strength, good health and wellness. Wonderful to join this year’s programme in Srinagar. https://t.co/oYonWze6QU
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 21, 2024
Yoga helps us realise that our welfare is related to the welfare of the world around us. pic.twitter.com/YtYApIc3Tu
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 21, 2024
