Modi: Yoga Connects All, A Must For Global Peace, Better Future Of The World
The PM observed, “In India, we have seen it as an expression of the human spirit with consciousness. That is why this year's theme has been made: Yoga for healthy aging. We can stay healthy, active and youthful despite aging. Yoga shows us the way for this. When we speak for Yoga for healthy aging, it means that we can work to ensure Age does not reduce human potential. Yoga can help human life to aspire for constant growth”
Kolkata: Calling Yoga a way to “connect all”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday prescribed the exercise as “a must for global peace and a better future of the world”. He shared his thoughts after leading the International Yoga Day celebration at the historic Red Road in the city in the morning with a large number of participants from various walks of life. West Bengal Governor RN Ravi and chief minister Suvendu Adhikari and foreign dignitaries attended the grand event among others.
Mr Modi told the participants, “June 21 happens to be the longest day of the year in some parts of the earth. This day has also become a festive day globally on the occasion of International Yoga Day. Various pictures of Yoga are pouring in from different parts of the world. From North to South and East to West, an inspiration for Yoga is seen in India. The entire country and the world look connected. This is the power of Yoga. Yoga connects all and brings all together.”
He added, “I convey my greetings of the occasion to the entire world and universal humanity. I also appreciate the people of Kolkata for hosting the event with cleanliness i.e Swachhata Se Swagat. Their hard work for this effort has set an inspiration. It is also special to be here on Yoga Day. Yoga means connectivity. When Yoga becomes a habit, it takes a shape of humane unity. Yoga is not just a physical exercise. It is also not restricted to any age group.”
The PM observed, “In India, we have seen it as an expression of the human spirit with consciousness. That is why this year's theme has been made: Yoga for healthy aging. We can stay healthy, active and youthful despite aging. Yoga shows us the way for this. When we speak for Yoga for healthy aging, it means that we can work to ensure Age does not reduce human potential. Yoga can help human life to aspire for constant growth.”
He then added, “Our target must be more flexible at 40 than what we were at 20, more energetic at 50 than what we were at 30 and more resistant to lifestyle disease at 70 than what we were at 50. This is where Yoga can help us. This helps us to tune our bodies to be flexible. It keeps our energy level high. It also helps us to maintain a calm and stress free life and helps to keep lifestyle disease away. Moreover with regular practice, Yoga teaches us to remain a lifelong learner of our own bodies and mind.”
According to him, Yoga helps people to live in a balanced manner and find the path to physical fitness through mental health. “We should not restrict Yoga to only particular occasions. It must be made part of our lives, family and our next generations as it imparts lessons of sense of Dos and Don'ts. That's why Yoga is a must for a better future of the world and global peace. Let us take a pledge not to limit Yoga to a day or an activity only.”