- Sunday, June 30, 2024
This year, the world was celebrating the 10th International Day of Yoga after it was started in 2015 following an initiative by the Indian PM which was backed by the United Nations.
By: Shubham Ghosh
INDIAN prime minister Narendra Modi on Friday (21) took part in celebrations marking the International Day of Yoga in Srinagar in the northern Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, where he set his foot for the first time after the general elections this week.
The yoga event took place on the bank’s of Srinagar’s famous Dal Lake — at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Complex. The theme for this year’s event is “Yoga for Self and Society” and it emphasises on yoga’s role in boosting individual well-being and social harmony.
Modi was seen doing different yoga asanas in an indoor hall along with guests, whose numbers were, however, reduced by rain in Srinagar, which is the summer capital of the UT. The session, which was supposed to begin at 7 am local time, was also delayed by rain.
Among other dignitaries who attended the celebration were Jammu and Kashmir’s lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha and India’s Ayush minister Prataprao Ganpatro Jadhav. India’s ministry of Ayush is responsible for developing education, research and promotion of traditional medicine and alternative medicine systems in the country and was formed the year Modi became the prime minister for the first time — 2014.
Friday also marked the 10th International Day of Yoga after it was first observed in 2015.
The initiative for the International Day of Yoga, which is celebrated across the world every year on June 21 following its adoption by the United Nations a decade ago, was taken by Modi in his maiden address at the world body in 2014. A resolution related to the same received global support with more than 170 countries backing it. The resolution was passed unanimously by the United Nations General Assembly and the first International Day of Yoga was celebrated all over the world on June 21, 2015.
Modi, who interacted with the participants and took selfies with many, said on the occasion that the number of people practising yoga are increasing around the world at a rapid pace.
“We can feel the energy in Srinagar, that we gain through Yoga. I extend greetings to people of the country and people performing Yoga in every corner of the world on Yoga Day. International Yoga Day has completed a historic journey of 10 years. In 2014, I proposed International Yoga Day at the United Nations. This proposal by India was supported by 177 nations and this was a record in itself. Since then, Yoga Day has been creating new records,” Modi said.
He also added that when he is abroad, global leaders discuss yoga with him.
The PM also posted about his programme in Srinagar on X along with pictures, saying, “Dal Lake in Srinagar provided a wonderful setting for this year’s Yoga Day programme, reflecting perfect harmony with nature. The rains did not dampen the spirit of the countless people gathered there. Here are some glimpses.”
Dal Lake in Srinagar provided a wonderful setting for this year’s Yoga Day programme, reflecting perfect harmony with nature. The rains did not dampen the spirit of the countless people gathered there. Here are some glimpses. pic.twitter.com/sIaLuxkSpA
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 21, 2024
A number of other Indian leaders, including president Droupadi Murmu, also took part in yoga events during the day. External affairs minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar was seen participating in an event with members of the diplomatic community. Other ministers such as home minister Amit Shah and defence minister Rajnath Singh and others were also seen observing the day by performing yoga.
Participated this morning at the #IDY2024 event in New Delhi with members of the diplomatic community.
Developing Yoga enthusiasm and awareness around the world has been an inspiration. Happy to see that #YogaforSelfAndSociety has become an essential way of life for so many. pic.twitter.com/nKRTKiAunL
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) June 21, 2024
