Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the 10th International Yoga Day with fervor, performing asanas at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. He commemorated the occasion by acknowledging the widespread embrace of yoga across the world since India’s proposal for its global celebration received support from 177 nations at the United Nations. PM Modi emphasized the transformative power of yoga, describing it as a catalyst for a burgeoning “Yoga economy” that has enriched sectors like tourism, hospitality, and apparel.
“In the last decade, yoga has reshaped global perceptions and created new economic opportunities,” PM Modi stated, noting the rise of yoga tourism in India from Rishikesh to Kerala. He highlighted the inspiring story of Charlotte Chopin, a 101-year-old French yoga instructor awarded the Padma Shri this year for her dedication to promoting yoga awareness.
PM Modi also highlighted initiatives by India’s AYUSH department, such as the Yoga Certification Board, aimed at standardizing yoga practices globally. He underscored the growing global interest in yoga, citing its integration into academic curricula and medical therapies worldwide.
The Prime Minister expressed optimism about yoga’s role in revitalizing Jammu and Kashmir’s tourism, attributing the region’s burgeoning interest in yoga as a potential tourism booster. This year’s theme, “Yoga for Self and Society,” resonated throughout PM Modi’s address, emphasizing yoga’s profound impact on individual well-being and societal harmony.
Since its inception in 2015, PM Modi has championed International Yoga Day celebrations across various global landmarks, underscoring India’s pivotal role in promoting yoga’s universal appeal and health benefits.