On Wednesday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that the age-old discipline of yoga is really worldwide and unbound by “copyrights, patents, and royalty.”
Prior to the commemoration of International Yoga Day, the Prime Minister spoke to a sizable crowd of people outside the United Nations offices in New York, including dignitaries. PM Modi opened his speech with a “Namaste” and thanked everyone for travelling from afar to attend the event while donning a specially tailored white yoga T-shirt and pants.
People from practically every nation have travelled to attend the event, which is akin to yoga, according to PM Modi. Although yoga originated in India, according to the prime minister, it is not subject to copyright, patent, or royalty restrictions.
He said, “I am delighted to see you all and thank you all for coming. I am told that almost every nationality is represented here today. Yoga means to unite, so you are coming together is an expression of another form of Yoga. Yoga is adaptable to your age, gender and fitness level. Yoga is portable and is truly universal.”
The world joined together last year to support India’s plan to designate 2023 as the International Year of Millets, the prime minister said, adding that it’s fantastic to see everyone unite once more for yoga.
PM Modi praised the benefits of yoga for enhancing both physical and mental health, claiming that it leaves you feeling “calm and emotionally content.”
“It’s not just exercise on a mat. It’s a way of life … a holistic approach to health and well-being. A way to live in harmony with self and others and with nature. Let us use the power of Yoga not only to be healthy, happy but also to be kind to ourselves and to each other. Let us use the power of Yoga to build bridges of friendship, a peaceful world and a cleaner, greener and sustainable future. Let us join hands together to realise the goal of One Earth, One Family, One Future,” he further added.
Distinguished guests that attended the event included Csaba Korosi, president of the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Hollywood actor Richard Gere, mayor of New York City Eric Adams, and Amina J. Mohammed, deputy secretary general of the UN.
“You can see the vibrations and excitement. Hundreds of people are lining up for International Yoga (Day celebrations) with Prime Minister Modi. Such a great feeling,” said Dilip Chauhan, Deputy Commissioner for New York City Mayor’s Office for International Affairs.
Ruchika Lal, Yoga and Meditation Instructor, Art of Living, said people are excited. “They have been waiting outside since 6 am,” she said.
According to sources, participants in the Prime Minister Modi-led Yoga Day celebrations came from more than 180 nations and came from a variety of professions, including diplomats, artists, professors, and businesspeople, among others.
Since the first International Day of Yoga was observed in 2015, numerous sessions and events demonstrating its advantages and all-encompassing appeal have been held at the UN, Times Square, and other well-known sites around the globe.
Yoga is a traditional Indian physical, mental, and spiritual practise, as emphasised by the UN. Yoga, which means to join or to merge in Sanskrit, represents the fusion of the physical body and the mind. It is currently done in many different forms all over the world and is becoming more and more popular.
