In a video message shared on Twitter, PM Modi said India has always nurtured traditions that unite, adopt and embrace, and made a fervent appeal to eliminate contradictions, hurdles and resistances through yoga.
PM Modi will lead the 9th International Day of Yoga celebrations at the United Nations (UN) headquarters in New York later today. This year, the theme of Yoga Day is ‘Yoga For Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ ie Yoga for the welfare of all in the form of ‘One World-One Family’.
Here’s what the Prime Minister said in his International Yoga Day message:
- Yoga expands the inner vision and connects us with that consciousness which makes us feel the unity of the living being giving a basis of love for the living being.
- We have to eliminate our contradictions, blockages and resistances through Yoga.
- We have to present the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ as an example to the world.
- India has always nurtured traditions that unite, adopt and embrace, and made a fervent appeal to eliminate contradictions, hurdles and resistances through yoga.
- The coming together of more than 180 countries on India’s call is historic and unprecedented.
- What unites us is yoga. The propagation of yoga was an extension of the idea that the whole world is included as one family.
- The International Day of Yoga is special this year as researchers at India’s research stations in the Arctic and Antarctica too were participating in the celebrations
- The idea of the ‘Ocean Ring of Yoga’ makes this Yoga Day even more special as it is based on the mutual relation between the idea of Yoga and the expanse of the ocean.
The first International Day of Yoga was commemorated in 2015 and has since then been marked with several sessions and events highlighting the benefits and universal appeal of Yoga at the UN, Times Square and iconic locations across the world.
The concept of International Yoga Day was introduced by PM Modi during his 2014 address to the United Nations General Assembly. Since then, yoga has gained huge popularity worldwide due to its ability to enhance flexibility, strength, balance, and overall fitness.
Recognising its universal appeal, in December 2014, the UN proclaimed June 21 as the International Day of Yoga. The draft UNGA resolution establishing the International Day of Yoga was proposed by India and endorsed by a record 175 member states.
-With inputs from agencies