Prime Minister Leads 10th International Day of Yoga in Srinagar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday led the celebrations of the 10th International Day of Yoga in Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar.

Event Disruption and Relocation

The event, which was scheduled to start at 6.30 am at Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) on the banks of the Dal Lake, was disrupted due to heavy rain in the city. The arrangements were later shifted indoors. Later, the Prime Minister also shared his pictures from the Dal Lake, after the rain stopped.

Theme and Objectives

This year's event underscores yoga's profound impact on young minds and bodies. The celebration aims to unite thousands in the practice of Yoga, promoting health and wellness on a global scale. The theme for this year's yoga celebrations, 'Yoga for Self and Society', emphasises yoga's vital role in fostering both individual well-being and societal harmony.

PM Addresses Nation on Yoga Day

On the occasion, the Prime Minister also addressed a gathering and said the day is creating new records in the world.

Extending his greetings to the people of the country, PM Modi said, "I extend greetings to people of the country and people performing yoga in every corner of the world on Yoga Day. The number of people practising yoga is growing worldwide."

"International Yoga Day has completed a historic journey of 10 years. In 2014, I proposed International Yoga Day at the United Nations. This proposal by India was supported by 177 nations and this was a record in itself. Since then, Yoga Day has been creating new records," he said.

"In the last 10 years, the expansion of yoga has changed its perception. Today, the world is seeing a new yoga economy going forward. In India, from Rishikesh and Kashi to Kerala, a new connection of yoga tourism is being seen. Tourists from across the world are coming to India because they want to learn authentic yoga in India," he said.

Stressing the importance of yoga and its health benefits, the Prime Minister also said, "Yoga is for self and society."

"As we mark 10th International Yoga Day, I urge everyone to make yoga part of their daily lives," he said.

Praising Srinagar, the Prime Minister also said, "I have got an opportunity to come to the land of 'yoga' and 'sadhana'. In Srinagar, we can feel the 'shakti' that we get from yoga."

"Yoga fosters strength, good health and wellness. Wonderful to join this year's programme in Srinagar," the Prime Minister said.

Recognition of Charlotte Chopin

The Prime Minister also recalled Charlotte Chopin, a 101-year-old woman yoga teacher from France who was awarded the Padma Shri this year.

"This year in India, a 101-year-old woman yoga teacher was accorded the Padma Shri. She had never come to India, but she dedicated her entire life to creating awareness about yoga. Today, research on yoga is being done in prestigious universities and institutions around the world, research papers are being published," PM Modi said.