New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the citizens of Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, at Dal Lake on the occasion of International Day of Yoga on Friday. Despite rainy weather and a significant drop in temperature, the event saw enthusiastic participation from the people of Jammu & Kashmir.
In his address, PM Modi praised the unwavering enthusiasm and commitment of the attendees. He noted that the adverse weather conditions, which caused delays and fragmented the event into multiple parts, did not dampen the spirit of the participants.
Modi emphasized the importance of integrating yoga into daily life for both individual and societal benefits. “Yoga must become an instinct of life for self and society, and its benefits are fully realized when it is a part of our daily routine,” he stated. He also addressed the common perception of meditation as intimidating due to its spiritual connotations, simplifying it as a practice of concentration and focus that can yield significant results with minimal fatigue and distraction.
“Yoga is as important, applicable, and powerful for the self as it is for society,” the Prime Minister stressed, highlighting how yoga’s widespread adoption can benefit humanity. He shared his admiration for an initiative in Egypt where a competition involved capturing yoga practices at iconic tourism sites, suggesting that similar efforts could boost tourism and employment in Jammu & Kashmir.
Concluding his speech, Prime Minister Modi lauded the resilience of the people of Jammu & Kashmir, who braved the harsh weather to participate in the International Day of Yoga celebrations in large numbers.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh joined the celebrations in Mathura, along with all ranks and their families. Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande was also in attendance.
In Delhi, the International Day of Yoga was commemorated at Cariappa Parade Ground, Delhi Cantonment. The event saw participation from serving Indian Army personnel, Defence Attaches of Friendly Foreign Countries, their families, and NCC cadets. The Yoga session was led by Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi, the Vice Chief of the Army Staff.
Additionally, the International Day of Yoga was observed by all Indian Army contingents deployed in United Nations Missions worldwide, with overwhelming participation from local populations.