Yoga can unite a conflict-ridden world: PM
India’s most influential Yoga none other than Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday stressed upon Yoga’s global appeal and its qualities of unifying the world.
Addressing nearly 50,000 Yoga followers at the world renowned Forest Research Institute in Dehradun, on the fourth International Day of Yoga, Mr Modi said, “The world has embraced Yoga and glimpses of this can be seen in the manner in which International Day of Yoga has been marked every year. In fact, Yoga day has become one of the biggest mass movements in the quest for good health and well-being. From Tokyo to Toronto, from Stockholm to San Paolo, Yoga has become a positive influence in the lives of millions. Yoga is beautiful because it is ancient, yet it is modern. It is constant, yet it is evolving. In Yoga, we have the perfect solution to problems we face either as individuals or in our society. A fast paced existence brings with it a lot of stress.”
Clad in a saffron collared white T shirt stamped with the Yoga logo and message’ Yoga for harmony and peace’ and white track pants, the Prime Minister drew attention to global disease burden and annual casualties caused by heart diseases and diabetes. “The way to lead a calm and contented life is Yoga. It can show the way in defeating tension and mindless anxiety. Yoga always unites. Practising Yoga has the ability to bring an era of happiness, peace and brotherhood. Over the last three years, many individuals are teaching Yoga, new institutions are being set up and even technology is being connected to Yoga. From Dehradun to Dublin, from Shanghai to Chicago, from Jakarta to Johannesburg, Yoga is omnipresent. Yoga acts as a unifying force in this fast-paced world. It unifies the body, mind and soul and helps individuals experience peace. Yoga unites individuals, societies, nations and the world. May this Yoga Day motivate people around the world to practice Yoga,” Mr Modi said to Indian and foreign participants who sat on orange mats, facing the FRI’s impressive building known for its Greco Roman and colonial style of architecture. Interestingly, many films have been shot at this institute and the famous revolutionary leader Rash Behari Bose once worked here as head clerk.
Concluding his 15 minute speech, Mr Modi said, “Yoga has shown the world the way from illness to wellness. That is why its global acceptance in increasing at such a rapid pace. Practising Yoga asanas can help us prevent disease and reduce medical bills of a family. Wellness is imperative for us to play a role in nation building. I urge the Yoga practitioners to practice Yoga regularly and to those not yet associated with Yoga to try Yoga. The place that Yoga has got in the world will be strengthened in times to come.”
The Prime Minister said that India should be honoured to be the "guardians of the great heritage and practice of Yoga. We should be proud of our culture. If we doubt our tradition and culture then the world will not put its faith in us,” he said.