PM Modi Clicks Selfies With Locals After Yoga Day Event
Srinagar: Thousands of spirited Kashmiris negotiated the capricious weather with valiant determination as they gathered at the rain-drenched Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar to celebrate the 10th International Day of Yoga.
The event, marked by the energizing words of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, resonated with enthusiasm and dedication towards the ancient practice of yoga.
In his address, Prime Minister Modi applauded the resilience of the Kashmiri people, particularly noting the commitment of young girls who remained steadfast on the ground, despite the rain, wrapped in their yoga mats. He commended their undaunted spirit and expressed appreciation for their love for yoga, emphasizing its significant role in personal and communal well-being.
Expressing gratitude for being in Jammu & Kashmir, the Prime Minister described it as the land of Yog and Sadhna. He remarked on the palpable atmosphere of energy and experience infused into the region through the practice of yoga on this occasion.
“The participation of 50-60 thousand people of Jammu and Kashmir in today’s yoga session is a remarkable feat in itself,” he noted, underscoring the theme for this year, “Yoga for Self and Society,” which highlights yoga’s profound impact on individual wellness and societal harmony.
Prime Minister Modi actively participated in the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) session, underscoring the holistic benefits of yoga in fostering physical, mental, and spiritual growth.
Reflecting on the journey of International Day of Yoga, he highlighted India’s global leadership in promoting yoga, citing the support of 177 countries for India’s initiative at the UN. He reminisced about previous landmark events, including the mass yoga sessions in New Delhi and at the UN Headquarters, which underscored yoga’s growing international acclaim and participation.
The event, graced by dignitaries including Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha and Union Ayush Minister Prataprao Jadhav, symbolized a convergence of cultural pride and health awareness.
Lieutenant Governor Sinha lauded the Prime Minister’s efforts in elevating yoga to a global platform, noting its embodiment of the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the world as one family. He invoked ancient wisdom to emphasize the importance of unity and charity in contemporary society, reflecting on the teachings of Maharishi Patanjali and the broader impact of the Prime Minister’s vision for global health and unity.
Union Ayush Minister Prataprao Jadhav extended congratulations to all participants on this significant day, highlighting the ongoing “Yoga Yatra” initiated under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership. He underscored the theme of “Yoga for Self and Society” as pivotal in promoting yoga’s transformative influence across diverse societal segments. The minister emphasized that yoga not only enhances physical and mental well-being but also fosters community spirit and cohesion, bolstering confidence and morale.
The celebration of International Day of Yoga extended beyond the SKICC grounds, encompassing a global outreach with initiatives like “Yoga for Space” supported by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). Concurrently, ISRO centers and units engaged in the Common Yoga Protocol, underscoring yoga’s integration into diverse professional spheres including space exploration.
Embassies and Indian missions worldwide joined in the festivities, underscoring the global resonance of yoga as a unifying force. The Central Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy (CCRYN), in collaboration with PGIMER, Chandigarh, set a record recognized by the Asia Book of Records for involving the highest number of healthcare professionals in the Common Yoga Protocol during IDY 2024.
In Delhi, the Ministry of Ayush partnered with prominent local bodies to organize expansive yoga events, fostering community engagement and participation. Initiatives such as the “Yoga with Family” Video Contest, in collaboration with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), aimed to promote yoga’s health benefits and strengthen familial bonds. The contest, inviting families globally to showcase their yoga practices, demonstrated the broad appeal and inclusive nature of yoga as a global phenomenon.
As the sun set on Srinagar, echoing with the echoes of chants and the serene dedication of participants, the 10th International Day of Yoga reaffirmed its status as a celebration of unity, resilience, and the timeless wisdom of yoga.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for yoga’s role in fostering personal and societal well-being shone brightly, resonating across borders and cultures, uniting the world in a shared commitment to health, harmony, and humanity.
He expressed confidence that inspiration derived from yoga will give positive energy to our efforts. The Prime Minister lauded the enthusiasm of the people of Jammu & Kashmir, especially Srinagar, towards yoga and said that it provides a platform to boost the tourism of the Union Territory.
He also praised the spirit of the people to come out and show their support despite the rainy weather conditions.
“Association of 50,000 to 60,000 people with yoga program in Jammu & Kashmir is huge”, he added. The Prime Minister concluded his address by thanking the people of Jammu & Kashmir for their support and participation and conveyed his best wishes to all Yoga enthusiasts from around the world.
Noting the 10th anniversary of International Yoga Day, the Prime Minister recalled that a record 177 countries endorsed India’s proposal in the UN.
He also mentioned subsequent records made in the context of IYD such as 35,000 people doing yoga on Kartavya Path in 2015 and More than 130 countries participating in the Yoga event led by the Prime Minister at the UN Headquarters last year. He also expressed happiness that more than 100 institutes in India and 10 major foreign institutes have been recognized by the Yoga Certification Board formed by the Ministry of Ayush.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday shared photos of him taking selfies with locals in Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar after leading a programme there on the occasion of 10th International Yoga Day.
In a post on the microblogging site X, PM Modi shared four photos of him clicking selfies with the local women and said, “Post Yoga selfies in Srinagar! Unparalled vibrancy here, at the Dal Lake.”
