World Sees Yoga as a Powerful Agent for Global Good: PM Modi
Srinagar, Jun 21: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday highlighted yoga’s global impact, describing it as a powerful agent for good, helping individuals live in the present and shed past burdens.
Speaking at the 10th International Yoga Day event at SKICC in Srinagar, the prime minister emphasized how yoga fosters a sense of interconnectedness and welfare among people worldwide.
“The world views yoga as a powerful agent for global good. It helps us live in the present without the baggage of the past,” Modi stated.
He added, “Inner peace allows us to positively influence the world. Yoga is paving the way for positive societal changes.”
Originally planned for the SKICC lawns by Dal Lake, the event was moved indoors due to persistent rain.
The prime minister noted the growing number of yoga practitioners globally, integrating yoga into their daily routines.
“The number of yoga followers is steadily increasing. Wherever I go, international leaders frequently discuss yoga’s benefits with me. In many countries, yoga is becoming a part of daily life,” Modi said, citing examples from Turkmenistan, Saudi Arabia, Mongolia, and Germany.
During his speech, Modi also mentioned 101-year-old Charlotte Chopin, a Frenchwoman awarded the Padma Shri for promoting yoga in her country.
The global spread of yoga has changed perceptions, with more people visiting India for authentic yoga knowledge.
“We are witnessing yoga tourism in states like Uttarakhand and Kerala. People come to India for genuine yoga experiences. Personal yoga trainers are in demand, and companies are incorporating yoga into wellness programs, creating new livelihood opportunities,” he said.
Modi underscored yoga’s role in addressing modern challenges, emphasizing its scientific basis.
“In the information age, focusing on one subject is challenging. Yoga offers a solution by aiding concentration, making it part of routines from the military to sports,” he explained.
He noted that astronauts and space project workers are trained in yoga to boost productivity and tolerance, and it is also taught to prison inmates to foster positive thinking.
Modi expressed satisfaction with the rising popularity of yoga in Jammu and Kashmir, predicting a boost to the region’s tourism.
“Seeing yoga’s growing popularity in Srinagar and Jammu and Kashmir is significant. With 50,000 to 60,000 people engaged in yoga, it will attract more tourists,” he concluded.
