CHANDIGARH: Calling on the world to embrace Yoga as a discipline in everyday life, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the occasion of the International Yoga Day today, asserted that the ancient Indian art was the most selfless of its kind, as it did not discriminate, did not ask for much, but simply functioned for the betterment of mankind and brought every society together.
Speaking on the occasion here with a mass gathering of almost 10, 000 people, the Prime Minister said that he had proposed June 21st as the ideal day for Yoga Day celebrations because in many parts of the world, this day is quite long and is closer to the earth.
Stating that Yoga Day has garnered massive support from across the world, Prime Minister Modi said that there is no other event which matches the global popularity of this day.
“The United Nations observes several occasions but no other movement has become a global movement like Yoga Day. No other event is able to match the popularity of Yoga Day. This proves the power of the legacy by our ancestors,” he said.
Further asserting that some people do not understand the science behind Yoga, the Prime Minister said that the disciple was not a religious practice and was the path to salvation, adding that it provides health insurance for zero budget.
“Yoga is for the believer and non believer as well. It does not differentiate between the rich and poor or the literate and illiterate. Just like the cell phone has become a part of your daily life, I call on the world to embrace Yoga,” he said.
The Prime Minister also said that it needs to be ensured that while Yoga spreads across the globe as a popular practice, its sanctity is maintained, adding that it must not be dragged into any controversies either.
Talking about Yoga as a roaring business success, he said that the form was gaining popularity as a major business and profession as well and that the demand for Yoga trainers across the globe was growing every day.
“Let's focus on one thing in the coming days and that is how to mitigate diabetes through Yoga. Diabetes can surely be controlled through Yoga. Let us make Yoga more popular world over. Let India produce good Yoga teachers,” the Prime Minister said.
He also thanked the United Nations for extending their support to ensure the success of this day across the globe.
Meanwhile, the United Nations headquarters in New York lit up to mark the occasion of International Yoga Day.
The United Nations General Assembly declared June 21 as the International Day of Yoga on December 11 in 2014 after a call from the Prime Minister Modi during his address to UN General Assembly on September 27.