Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, June 21, 2024 – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked International Yoga Day 2024 by leading a yoga session at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar. This was Modi’s first visit to Kashmir since beginning his third consecutive term as Prime Minister, making the event particularly significant. The celebration underscored the profound cultural and economic importance of yoga, both within India and globally.
Yoga’s Global Expansion and Economic Impact
In his address on International Yoga Day 2024, Modi highlighted the transformative impact yoga has had over the past decade. He emphasized that yoga’s global expansion has reshaped perceptions and contributed to the development of a “new Yoga economy.” According to Modi, various regions in India, including Rishikesh, Kashi, and Kerala, are witnessing a surge in yoga tourism. This influx of international tourists seeking authentic yoga experiences has created numerous employment opportunities for the youth. “Tourists from across the world are coming to India because they want to learn authentic Yoga in India,” Modi said. “People are even keeping personal Yoga trainers for their fitness. All of these have created new opportunities for the youth, new employment opportunities for youth.”
Increasing Popularity of Yoga Worldwide
On International Yoga Day 2024, Modi also pointed out that the number of people practicing yoga is continuously increasing worldwide. He shared his experiences with global leaders, noting their curiosity about yoga and its benefits. “Wherever I go and whoever I meet, they ask me about yoga with curiosity. Yoga is becoming a part of daily life,” he added. This growing interest signifies yoga’s integration into the daily routines of people across the globe, further highlighting its universal appeal and relevance.
Yoga as a Force for Global Good
The Prime Minister described yoga as a powerful agent of global good on International Yoga Day 2024, emphasizing its role in fostering self-awareness and present-moment living. “The world is looking at Yoga as a powerful agent of global good. Yoga helps us live in the present moment without the baggage of the past. It connects us with ourselves,” Modi stated. This perspective aligns with the holistic philosophy of yoga, which promotes physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
Theme for 2024: “Yoga for Self and Society”
The theme for this year’s International Yoga Day, “Yoga for Self and Society,” reflects the interconnectedness of individual well-being and societal welfare. Modi elaborated on this theme, explaining that yoga helps individuals realize their welfare is linked to the welfare of those around them. “Yoga helps us realize that our welfare is related to the welfare of the world around us. When we are peaceful within, we can also make a positive impact on the world,” he said. This theme underscores yoga’s potential to foster peace and harmony within individuals, which can then extend to the broader community.
Innovative Applications of Yoga
Modi also highlighted innovative applications of yoga in various fields on International Yoga Day 2024. He mentioned that astronauts are being trained in yoga and meditation to help them cope with the unique challenges of space travel. Additionally, yoga is being used in prisons to promote positive thinking among inmates. These examples demonstrate yoga’s versatility and its potential to enhance well-being in diverse contexts.
Yoga’s Cultural and Historical Significance
Yoga, with its roots deeply embedded in Indian culture, has evolved into a global phenomenon. The ancient practice, which encompasses physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation, is celebrated for its comprehensive approach to health and wellness. Modi’s leadership in promoting yoga on the international stage has played a pivotal role in its global resurgence. The establishment of International Yoga Day by the United Nations in 2014, on Modi’s initiative, has further solidified yoga’s status as a worldwide movement.
The International Yoga Day 2024 celebrations in Srinagar, led by Prime Minister Modi, highlighted yoga’s expanding influence and its role as a unifying force for global good. The event underscored the economic opportunities created by yoga tourism and the growing global interest in the practice. Modi’s emphasis on the theme “Yoga for Self and Society” encapsulated the essence of yoga as a means to achieve individual and collective well-being. As International Yoga Day continues to gain popularity worldwide, its potential to foster peace, harmony, and holistic health remains ever more relevant.
For further insights and comprehensive content, please visit our homepage
