Narendra Modi and his Yoga Vision

21st June - International Day of Yoga, also known as “Yoga Day”. The day aims to raise awareness about the benefits of practicing yoga and promote its holistic approach to health and well-being.

The United Nations recognized it in 2014 General Assembly, following a proposal by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is the current Prime Minister of India, has been a strong advocate of yoga and played a significant role in popularizing it globally.

He said: "Yoga is an invaluable gift from our ancient tradition. Yoga embodies unity of mind and body, thought and action ... a holistic approach that is valuable to our health and well-being. Yoga is not just about exercise; it is a way to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and nature”. He has been instrumental in promoting yoga as an ancient Indian practice that can benefit people of all ages and backgrounds.

Here are some key contributions of Narendra Modi towards yoga:

1.??????Proposal for International Day of Yoga: In his address to the United Nations General Assembly on September 27, 2014, Prime Minister Modi proposed the idea of observing June 21st as the International Day of Yoga. The proposal received overwhelming support, and it was unanimously adopted by the UN General Assembly.

2.??????Organization of Mass Yoga Events: Since taking office, Narendra Modi has actively promoted mass yoga events across India and around the world. On the inaugural International Day of Yoga in 2015, he led a gathering of over 35,000 people in New Delhi, setting a Guinness World Record for the largest yoga class. Similar events have been organized annually since then.

3.??????Global Yoga Diplomacy: Narendra Modi has used yoga as a tool for diplomacy and cultural exchange. He has personally participated in yoga events during his visits to other countries and encouraged world leaders and dignitaries to embrace yoga. This has helped in popularizing yoga internationally and fostering global harmony through a shared practice.

4.??????Support for Yoga Education and Research: The Indian government, under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, has taken steps to promote yoga education and research. The Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy) has been actively involved in developing standardized yoga protocols, establishing yoga research institutes, and providing scholarships for yoga studies.

5.??????Integration of Yoga into Healthcare: Prime Minister Modi has emphasized the integration of yoga with conventional healthcare systems. The government has launched initiatives to train healthcare professionals in yoga therapy and has encouraged the incorporation of yoga practices in hospitals and wellness centres.

Narendra Modi's contributions have significantly raised the global profile of yoga and its recognition as a holistic approach to health and well-being. His efforts have played a crucial role in promoting yoga as a unifying force that transcends boundaries and brings people together in pursuit of physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.