PM Modi will spearhead the 10th International Day of Yoga celebrations at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, on Friday. This year’s event emphasizes the profound impact of yoga on young minds and bodies, aiming to unite thousands in promoting health and wellness globally.
The Prime Minister will address the gathering and participate in the Common Yoga Protocol session, underscoring yoga’s significance in nurturing physical, mental, and spiritual growth. He will be joined by notable figures, including the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, and Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Ayush, Prataprao Ganpatrao Jadhav. Over 7,000 people from various walks of life will gather on the banks of Dal Lake in Srinagar to mark the special occasion.
Since 2015, PM Modi has led International Day of Yoga (IDY) celebrations at various iconic locations, including Kartavya Path in Delhi, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Ranchi, Lucknow, Mysuru, and even the United Nations Headquarters in New York. This year’s theme, “Yoga for Self and Society,” highlights yoga’s vital role in fostering individual well-being and societal harmony.
In a letter to all Gram Pradhans, Prime Minister Modi urged grassroots leaders to make holistic health a people-led movement by spreading awareness about yoga and millet. This year’s celebrations will span the nation, with a notable event titled “Yoga for Space,” where all ISRO centers and units will participate in the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP). The Gaganyaan project team is also scheduled to join the practice on June 21. Additionally, IDY observance at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari is in full swing.
Globally, Indian Embassies and Missions will join the celebrations, reflecting yoga’s widespread influence. Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of Ayush, highlighted the journey of IDY in a recent gathering, emphasizing its role in promoting health, social values, and a sense of community.
The ‘Whole of Government’ approach to IDY celebrations includes coordinated efforts across various government departments and active participation from state governments and union territories. The National Ayush Mission team is organizing events nationwide, showcasing yoga’s impact on holistic health.
In Delhi, the Ministry of Ayush has partnered with the New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC), Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), and Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to organize mass yoga events. To engage the masses, the Ministry of Ayush has launched several contests and activities, including the “Yoga with Family” Video Contest in partnership with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) on the MyGov and MyBharat platforms. This contest encourages families worldwide to showcase the joy of yoga and reinforce family bonds, with submissions due by June 30, 2024.
As the world prepares to celebrate the 10th International Day of Yoga, the event in Srinagar stands as a testament to yoga’s enduring legacy and its power to bring people together for a healthier, more harmonious future.