Global Yoga Day Call: Prime Minister Modi Encourages Public to Adopt Yoga, Praises Andhra Pradesh's YogAndhra Initiative
Prime Minister Modi Urges Active Participation in International Yoga Day and Praises Andhra Pradesh's YogAndhra Abhiyan
New Delhi - Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated his call for mass participation in the upcoming International Yoga Day on June 21. In his monthly radio programme, Mann Ki Baat, he underlined the benefits of yoga and emphasized the increasing global interest in the ancient practice.
Speaking about International Yoga Day, PM Modi urged listeners to embrace yoga if they haven't already. "In just under a month, International Yoga Day will be here. If you aren't already practicing yoga, now is the time to start. Yoga has the power to transform your life," he said. He cited the continuous growth in attraction towards yoga since its inception in 2015.
The Prime Minister highlighted the global enthusiasm for the event. "The excitement and eagerness towards 'Yoga Day' are evident globally. Many institutions are preparing for the occasion, and we have witnessed the creation of Yoga Chains in past years," he added. He also praised the creative ways people choose to celebrate the day.
Addressing the progress of the YogAndhra Abhiyan campaign in Andhra Pradesh, PM Modi expressed his admiration. "The objective of this campaign is to cultivate a yoga culture throughout the state. Under this initiative, we are creating a pool of 10 lakh regular yoga practitioners. I am looking forward to participating in the 'Yoga Day' program in Visakhapatnam this year," he noted.
PM Modi also acknowledged the youth's participation in yoga and their plans to perform at iconic heritage sites. He commended the private and corporate sectors for embracing yoga and promoting healthy corporate culture.
In a related development, the Prime Minister spoke about recent advancements in the field of Ayurveda and traditional medicine. He mentioned an agreement signed with the WHO Director General for a dedicated traditional medicine module under the International Classification of Health Interventions.
PM Modi also highlighted the installation of 'sugar boards' in several CBSE-affiliated schools to encourage healthy living among students. "This unique initiative aims to make children aware of their sugar intake and ultimately cultivate healthy lifestyle habits from a young age," he said.
International Yoga Day has garnered global participation, with over 170 countries participating annually. The event often involves yoga practices at iconic sites and creative celebrations like forming yoga chains. Every year, new records are set for participation, with Surat hosting a record-breaking yoga session in 2023, attracting 1.53 lakh participants.
Following the Prime Minister's call for International Yoga Day, it's crucial to embrace the fusion of health and wellness through this ancient practice. The growing interest in yoga worldwide, as exemplified by the YogAndhra Abhiyan in Andhra Pradesh, demonstrates the significance of science in promoting fitness and exercise for a healthier lifestyle.
Government initiatives like YogAndhra Abhiyan, aiming to create a pool of 10 lakh regular yoga practitioners, underscores the importance of fostering a yoga culture for overall health. Advancements in Ayurveda and traditional medicine, such as the recent agreement with the WHO Director General, further highlight the global focus on integrating health and wellness practices within modern science.
