Prime Minister Modi Advocates Yoga for Global Peace on International Yoga Day
Promoting Peace Through Yoga
On Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that the world is currently facing various forms of stress, with increasing unrest and instability in many regions. He highlighted that yoga offers a pathway to peace. Speaking to participants of the 11th International Yoga Day, he noted that this day symbolizes the beginning of an ancient practice that promotes inner tranquility as a global principle.
He stated, "Unfortunately, the entire world is experiencing some form of stress today. Many areas are witnessing rising unrest and instability. In such times, yoga provides us with a direction towards peace. Yoga acts as a 'pause button' that humanity needs, allowing individuals to breathe freely, maintain balance in life, and regain wholeness."
Modi urged everyone to transform yoga into a mass movement that leads the world towards peace, health, and harmony. He envisioned a scenario where every individual starts their day with yoga, achieving balance in life, and where communities engage in yoga to alleviate stress. He expressed that yoga should serve as a means to unite humanity.
The Prime Minister further requested the world to consider this Yoga Day as the inception of 'Yoga 2.0' for humanity, where inner peace becomes a global policy. He reiterated that yoga belongs to everyone and is accessible to all, regardless of borders, backgrounds, age, or abilities. This year's theme for International Yoga Day, "Yoga for One Earth, One Health," reflects the profound truth that the health of every entity on Earth is interconnected.
He explained that human well-being depends on the health of the soil that grows food, the rivers that provide water, the animals that share the ecosystem, and the plants that nourish. Yoga raises awareness of this interconnectedness. Modi emphasized that yoga connects the world and teaches that individuals are not isolated but part of nature.
He remarked, "Yoga is a significant personal discipline. Additionally, it is a system that transitions us from 'I' to 'we.' Let us mark this Yoga Day as the beginning of yoga for humanity, where inner peace has become a global policy."
Modi recalled that when India proposed to celebrate June 21 as International Yoga Day at the United Nations, it was accepted by 175 countries in a short span. Eleven years later, yoga has become an integral part of the lives of millions worldwide.
He noted, "Whether it’s the steps of the Sydney Opera House, the peak of Everest, or the vastness of the ocean, the same message resonates everywhere: yoga is for everyone and accessible to all." Modi also congratulated Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, and Minister Nara Lokesh for their 'Yoga Andhra' initiative.
He specifically praised Nara Lokesh for his efforts.
Global Participation in Yoga Day
In his address, Naidu acknowledged that Modi has popularized yoga not only in India but across the globe, transforming it into a movement for global welfare. He highlighted that Yoga Day is celebrated in over 175 countries, with participation from more than 10 crore people at 12 lakh locations.
Naidu expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for making yoga popular worldwide through the United Nations and establishing International Yoga Day as a global welfare movement.