Namaskar!

Greetings to all the citizens of the country on International Day of Yoga! Every year, I participate in some or the other event amongst all of you on the occasion of Yoga Day. It is especially delightful to engage in yoga with all of you, and those moments are truly memorable. However, this time, I am currently in the United States due to various responsibilities. Therefore, I am connecting with all of you through this video message.

Friends,

Let me also inform you that although I may not be able to practice yoga with you, I am not running away from the yoga programs. Today I will be participating in a yoga program at the United Nations Headquarters around 5:30 PM according to Indian time.  The gathering of more than 180 countries together in response to India's call is historic and unprecedented. You may recall that when the proposal for International Day of Yoga was presented in the United Nations General Assembly in 2014, a record number of countries supported it. Since then, by means of International Day of Yoga, yoga has become a global movement, a symbol of global spirit.

Friends,

This year, the programs of Yoga Day have been made even more special by the ‘Ocean Ring of Yoga’ initiative. The idea behind the ‘Ocean Ring of Yoga’ is based on the mutual relationship between the philosophy of yoga and the vastness of the oceans. Our soldiers have also created a ‘Yoga Bharatmala’ and ‘Yoga Sagarmala’ with our water bodies. Similarly, India's two research bases, from the Arctic to Antarctica, are also connected to yoga. The participation of millions of people from India and around the world in this unique celebration of yoga highlights the promotion and recognition of yoga's essence.

Brothers and sisters,

Our sages have defined yoga as 'युज्यते एतद् इति योगः', which means ‘that which unites is yoga.’ Therefore, the expansion of yoga is an extension of the idea that encompasses the entire world as one family. The expansion of yoga signifies the expansion of the concept of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, (the world as one family). That's why this year the theme of the G-20 Summit, being held under India’s presidency, is ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future.’ And today, millions of people around the world are practicing yoga together with the theme of ‘Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’.

Friends,

It is mentioned in scriptures regarding yoga and its benefits: व्यायामात् लभते स्वास्थ्यम्, दीर्घ आयुष्यम् बलम् सुखम्!, which translates to ‘one attains health, longevity and strength through yoga.’ Many of us who have regularly engaged with yoga in recent years have experienced the energy of yoga. We all understand the importance of better health on an individual level. We have also witnessed that when we are protected from health crises, our families are saved from many troubles. Yoga creates a healthy and capable society, with its collective energy being manifold. In recent years, from resolutions like Swachh Bharat to campaigns like Start-up India, from building ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) to rebuilding cultural India, a huge contribution in the extraordinary speed seen in the country and its youth, is of this energy. Today, the mindset of the country has changed, and as a result, people and lives have transformed.

Friends,

Whether it is India's culture or social structure, India's spirituality or ideals, India's philosophy or vision, we have always nurtured the traditions of unity, assimilation, and acceptance. We have welcomed new ideas and protected them. We have enriched diversity and celebrated it. Yoga strengthens every such sentiment with great intensity. Yoga expands our inner vision. Yoga connects us to that consciousness which makes us realize the unity of all living beings, which provides the foundation of love beyond just existence. Therefore, we must eliminate our internal conflicts through yoga. Through yoga, we must overcome our obstacles and resistances. We must present the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ as an example before the world.

Brothers and sisters,

It is said about yoga, 'योगः कर्मसु कौशलम्', meaning proficiency in action is yoga. This mantra holds great importance for all of us during the ‘Amrit Kaal’ of independence. When we become dedicated to our duties, we attain the accomplishment of yoga. Through yoga, we understand selfless action, and we embark on the journey from karma to karma yoga. I believe that we will not only improve our health but also manifest these resolutions within ourselves through yoga. Our physical strength, mental expansion, consciousness, and collective energy will become the foundation of a developed India. With this resolution, I extend my heartfelt wishes to all of you on International Day of Yoga once again!

Thanks!

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DS/LP/VK/AK