PM Modi Urges Gram Pradhans to Make Yoga a People-Led Movement

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to lead the 10th International Day of Yoga (IDY) celebrations at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar tomorrow on June 21, 2024. This year's theme, “Yoga for Self and Society,” underscores the importance of yoga in promoting both individual well-being and societal harmony.

Joining the Prime Minister at the event will be Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Ayush and Minister of State in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Prataprao Ganpatrao Jadhav, along with other dignitaries. The gathering aims to bring together thousands of participants, spreading the message of global health and wellness through the practice of yoga.

PM Modi will address the attendees and participate in the Common Yoga Protocol session, emphasizing yoga’s role in nurturing physical, mental, and spiritual growth. To enhance the inclusivity of yoga benefits, Modi has written to all Gram Pradhans, urging them to promote holistic health and awareness about yoga and millets at the grassroots level. His call is expected to boost yoga activities in Panchayats, Anganwadis, and Community Health Centers.

Preparations for the main event at SKICC are in full swing. Prataprao Ganpatrao Jadhav, along with Ayush Secretary Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha and senior officers from Jammu and Kashmir, visited the venue to review the arrangements.

Since IDY's inception in 2015, Prime Minister Modi has been instrumental in its promotion, hosting celebrations at iconic locations worldwide, including Kartavya Path in Delhi, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Ranchi, Lucknow, Mysuru, and the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

This year’s celebrations will span across the nation with significant events such as “Yoga for Space,” involving all centers and units of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) practicing the Common Yoga Protocol. The Gaganyaan project team will also actively participate. Notably, Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari will observe IDY with great fervor.Internationally, Indian embassies and missions will join the celebrations, reflecting yoga's global influence. The event “Yoga for Space” has garnered special support from ISRO, highlighting the unique blend of yoga and space science.

Over 7,000 people from various walks of life are expected to gather with the Prime Minister on the banks of Dal Lake in Srinagar to commemorate this special occasion. Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of Ayush, recently highlighted IDY’s journey and its impact on promoting health, social values, and community spirit.

The ‘Whole of Government’ approach to IDY 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 to demonstrate yoga’s holistic health benefits.

In Delhi, Ministry of Ayush has partnered with NDMC (New Delhi Municipal Corporation), ASI (Archaeological Survey of India), and DDA (Delhi Development Authority) to organize mass yoga events. To engage the public, 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 strengthen family bonds, with submissions open until June 30, 2024.

As the world prepares to celebrate this landmark 10th International Day of Yoga, the message of holistic health, well-being, and societal harmony continues to resonate globally.