• Yoga unites present & promotes global well-being
• Takes selfies in Srinagar, hails event’s success
• Yoga boosts tourism & creates jobs
• LG Sinha expresses gratitude to PM to choosing J&K for this historic event
Srinagar, June 21: Prime Minister NarendraModi said on Friday that it is privilege to visit Kashmir, the land of yoga and meditation. He said Yoga helps us live in the present moment without the baggage of the past.
Prime Minister NarendraModi addressed a gathering of 7000 people at SKICC Srinagar to commemorate the 10th International Day of Yoga (IYD) against the scenic backdrop of Dal Lake. Expressing gratitude for being in Jammu and Kashmir, renowned for its association with yoga and meditation, PM Modi described it as a privilege to visit the land known for its spiritual heritage.
“The atmosphere, energy, and experience of yoga can be keenly felt in Jammu & Kashmir today. I extend my congratulations to everyone practicing yoga across the globe from the beautiful land of Kashmir,” said PM Modi.
He conveyed his best wishes to citizens worldwide observing International Yoga Day, highlighting India’s global leadership in promoting yoga.
PM Modi also expressed satisfaction that more than 100 institutes in India and 10 major international institutes have received recognition from the Yoga Certification Board established by the Ministry of Ayush.
“Around 177 countries have endorsed India’s proposal in the UN. He also mentioned subsequent records made in the context of IYD such as 35,000 people doing yoga on Kartavya Path in 2015 and more than 130 countries participating in the Yoga event led by the Prime Minister at the UN Headquarters last year.
He also expressed happiness that more than 100 institutes in India and 10 major foreign institutes have been recognized by the Yoga Certification Board formed by the Ministry of Ayush.
The Prime Minister noted that more people are practicing yoga worldwide and its popularity is growing. He mentioned that many world leaders have shown interest in yoga during their interactions with him.
“All world leaders show a keen interest in yoga during their interactions with me,” he said, adding that yoga has become a daily practice in many parts of the world. He recalled inaugurating a Yoga Centre in Turkmenistan in 2015 and mentioned that yoga is now very popular there.
He also shared that state medical universities in Turkmenistan have included yoga therapy in their programs, Saudi Arabia has made yoga part of its education system, and the Mongolian Yoga Foundation runs many yoga schools.
“In Europe, 1.5 crore Germans practice yoga. 101-year-old French yoga teacher received a Padma Shree award for her contributions to yoga, despite never having visited India. Yoga has become a topic of research, with many research papers already published,” the Prime Minister said.
He said there is increasing interest in yoga tourism and people’s desire to visit India for authentic yoga experiences.
While highlighting the rise of yoga retreats, resorts, dedicated yoga facilities at airports and hotels, yoga apparel and equipment, personal yoga trainers, and companies promoting yoga and mindfulness wellness initiatives. “These developments are creating new job opportunities for the youth,” PM Modi said.
Talking about this year’s International Yoga Day theme, “Yoga for Self and Society,” PM Modi highlighted that yoga is seen worldwide as a powerful way to improve global well-being.
“Yoga teaches us to live in the present moment and connects our well-being with the world around us. Inner peace helps us positively influence the world,” he said.
The Prime Minister highlighted how yoga helps manage stress and improve focus, especially in fields like the military and sports. Yoga is bringing positive changes to society and it would inspire positive energy in our efforts.
He also praised the people of Jammu & Kashmir, especially in Srinagar, for their enthusiasm towards yoga, noting its potential to boost tourism. Despite rainy weather, he appreciated the large turnout of 50,000 to 60,000 people for the yoga event in Jammu & Kashmir, the PM Modi added.
PM Modi thanked everyone in Jammu & Kashmir for their support and participation, and sent his best wishes to yoga enthusiasts worldwide.
After the event, he took ‘post yoga’ selfies with other participants particularly students, that went viral on social media.
Expressing his satisfaction with the participation of people, PM Modi, said there was ‘unparalleled vibrancy’ at the event
In a post on the microblogging site X, PM Modi shared four photos of him clicking selfies with the local students and said, “Post Yoga selfies in Srinagar! Unparalled vibrancy here, at the Dal Lake.”
The function was attended by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Union Minister of State for Ayush (Independent Charge) and Minister of State in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, PratapraoJadhav, and other dignitaries.
In his welcome address, Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha thanked the Prime Minister for choosing Srinagar as the venue for the 10th International Yoga Day main event, noting its positive impact on the Union Territory’s development journey.
He praised the PM’s global promotion of yoga, citing its embodiment of the spirit of VasudhaivaKutumbakam. Emphasizing this year’s theme, he said there is importance of mutual support and quoted ancient teachings to underscore the significance of charity and unity among humanity.
Referring to Maharishi Patanjali’s principles, he stressed the unity of body and mind in yoga practice and appreciated the PM’s vision of ‘One Earth One Health’ for its global influence and restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s heritage.
Earlier Union Ayush Minister ShriPratapraoJadhav congratulated everyone on International Yoga Day and expressed his pleasure in addressing yoga enthusiasts in Srinagar.
He praised the continuous growth of the “Yoga Yatra” initiated in 2015 under the PM’s leadership and highlighted this year’s theme, “Yoga for Self and Society,” as showcasing yoga’s transformative impact.
Stressing yoga’s role in unifying society and enhancing well-being on all levels—physical, mental, and spiritual—he commended the new initiatives launched in 2024 and encouraged the integration of yoga into daily life for personal and societal benefits.
Meanwhile thousands of yoga enthusiasts across India and worldwide laid out their mats and participated in yoga sessions to celebrate Yoga Day.
This year’s theme ‘Yoga for Self and Society’ highlights the dual role in fostering individual and societal well-being. The event will encourage grassroots participation and the spread of Yoga in rural areas.
In December 2014, recognising yoga’s global appeal, the UN declared June 21 as the International Yoga Day. India’s proposal for this day was supported by a record 175 member states in the UN General Assembly.
