(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) Visakhapatnam- Leading world's largest ever Yoga gathering of 3 lakh citizens to celebrate the 11th International Yoga Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said the whole world was going through some kind of tension with many regions facing unrest and instability, and that Yoga gives a direction of peace and brings oneness.
Modi said the day marks the beginning of the ancient practice for humanity, where inner peace becomes a global policy.
“Unfortunately, today the whole world is going through some kind of tension. In many regions, unrest and instability are increasing. In such a situation, Yoga gives us the direction of peace. Yoga is the pause button that humanity needs to breathe, to balance, to become whole again,” he said.
“My request to the world– let this Yoga Day mark the beginning of Yoga for humanity 2.0 where inner peace becomes global policy,” the PM said.
He remarked that the essence of yoga is“to unite”, and it is heartening to see how yoga has united the world.
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Asserting that Yoga is for everyone, beyond boundaries, background, age, or ability, PM Modi said the theme of this year's International Yoga Day –“Yoga for One Earth, One Health” – reflects a deep truth, that the health of every entity on earth is interconnected.
Expressing pride in seeing how differently-abled individuals are reading yogic texts in braille, Modi noted that scientists are also practicing yoga in space.
Human well-being depends on the health of the soil that grows food, on the rivers that give water, and the health of animals that share the ecosystem and the plants that nourish, he further said.
Yoga awakens us to this interconnectedness. Yoga leads on a journey towards oneness with the world and teaches that people are not isolated individuals but part of nature, Modi added.
“Yoga is a great personal discipline. At the same time, it is a system that takes us from Me to We. Let this Yoga Day mark the beginning of Yoga for humanity, where inner peace becomes global policy,” he said.
When India proposed in the United Nations that June 21 be celebrated as International Yoga Day, in a short time, 175 countries accepted it, he said.
After 11 years, Yoga has now become part of the lives of crores of people around the world, he further said.
“Whether the Sydney Opera House or the Everest mountain, or the span of the ocean, the message is that Yoga is for everyone,” said Modi.
Referring to Indian culture, the PM said it teaches us the value of“Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah”-the welfare of all is one's sacred duty – and this journey from 'Me' to 'We' forms the foundation of service, dedication, and coexistence. The Prime Minister stated that it is this very thinking that fosters social harmony.
Emphasising that yoga should not remain merely a personal practice, Modi said it should evolve into a medium for global partnerships.
He called upon every nation and society to integrate yoga into their lifestyle and public policy and envision a collective effort to advance a peaceful, balanced, and sustainable world.
“Yoga should guide the world from conflict to cooperation, and from stress to solutions,” he said.
Further, Modi noted that through the National Ayush Mission, the message of yoga and wellness is being actively advanced across the country.
Healing in India is becoming popular. India is the best destination for healing, and yoga plays a key part in this, he said adding that growing obesity is a global challenge. I have discussed it in Mann Ki Baat. I have launched a challenge to cut oil intake by 10 per cent. I reiterate it today. Awareness is needed in this matter, he said.
He remarked that digital technology has played a significant role in this effort, with over one million events being registered nationwide through the Yoga Portal and YogAndhra Portal.
According to the PM, the scale of events taking place in every corner of India reflects yoga's growing influence.
Modi expressed satisfaction that a Common Yoga Protocol has been developed to standardise it.
Int'l Day Of Yoga Celebrated Across J&K
The 11th International Day of Yoga was celebrated across Kashmir on Saturday with participants from all walks of life performing 'asanas' at various places, officials said.
The main event in the Kashmir Valley was held at the lawns of the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) overlooking the famous Dal lake in which hundreds of people, including Jammu and Kashmir Health and Education Minister Sakina Itoo and Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, participated.
They said the participants performed several 'asanas' and breathing exercises under the guidance of trained instructors.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha participated in 11th International Yoga Day Celebration with Yoga enthusiasts and performed Asanas as per the laid down Common Yoga Protocol. The Lieutenant Governor said that in today's fast-paced world, the importance of Yoga is immeasurable.
“Yoga reduces stress and enhances quality of life. This year's International Yoga Day theme, 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health,' highlights holistic approach to health for humanity. This ancient Indian tradition ensures mental and spiritual harmony in the society and harmonises the body, mind and spirit”.
The Lieutenant Governor appealed to the people to incorporate Yoga into daily routines and motivate others to practice Yoga for a happy living.
BJP's J-K unit celebrated the Yoga Day at the historic 'Ghanta Ghar' (clock tower) in the Lal Chowk city centre here.
Speaking to reporters, J&K BJP spokesperson Altaf Thakur said the party wanted to send a message from the iconic clock tower that Kashmir was safe and peaceful.
“We not only want to send the message that yoga has health benefits, but by performing yoga at the Ghanta Ghar in Lal Chowk, we want to send the message that Kashmir is peaceful and tourists should come here,” Thakur said.
The Yoga Day was also celebrated across the Valley at district headquarters, educational institutions and tourist spots as per the theme of“Yoga for One Earth, One Health”, the officials said.
Deputy commissioners led the functions at the respective district headquarters which were also attended by a school and college students.
They said security forces, including the Army, BSF and CRPF, also celebrated the International Day of Yoga.
The Kashmir BSF celebrated Yoga Day at BSF Humhama campus, a spokesperson said.
BSF Kashmir was also organised yoga events at border out posts. The session witnessed a large turnout, including officers, jawans, women personnel, and trainees, who gathered early in the morning.
The collective participation highlighted the importance of incorporating yoga into daily routine for physical fitness, mental clarity, and emotional balance, the spokesperson said.
The celebration concluded with a pledge to continue practising yoga regularly and spreading its benefits across communities.
Railway Police wing of the Jammu and Kashmir Police organised special yoga sessions at all railway stations across the Valley.
Self-discipline and self-care was promoted among Railway Protection Force (RPF), railway employees and even waiting passengers, they said.
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