Modi to lead Yoga Day event in Kashmir

New Delhi: In his first visit to Kashmir after being sworn in for the third consecutive term, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the “International Day of Yoga” (IDY) event in Srinagar on Friday. Mr Modi will go on a two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday.

The Prime Minister, according to Union minister of state for ayush (independent charge) Prataprao Jadhav, has written to all the gram pradhans across the country, encouraging grassroots participation and the spread of yoga in rural areas.

The main IDY event will be held at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar.

Sharing the details of this year’s IDY, Mr Jadhav said, “This year's IDY celebrations will be held in Srinagar, with the Prime Minister once again at the helm.”

The Union minister said that this year’s theme — “Yoga for Self and Society” — highlights yoga’s dual role in fostering individual and societal well-being. He said, “Yoga nurtures physical, mental, and spiritual growth while promoting societal harmony. The enthusiastic participation of millions in recent years reflects the profound impact of yoga on communities.”

Mr Jadhav noted that Mr Modi has been a pivotal figure in promoting yoga globally. Since 2015, he has led the IDY celebrations at various iconic locations, including Kartavya Path in Delhi, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Ranchi, Jabalpur and even the United Nations headquarters in New York.

“His (Mr Modi) leadership has significantly boosted yoga's global popularity and recognition,” the minister said.

Mr Jadhav pointed out that following a proposal by Mr Modi to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on December 11, 2014, it was unanimously resolved to observe June 21 every year as IDY.

“It was an important diplomatic victory for India at the international level. This effort led to the global recognition of yoga,” he said.

On Tuesday, Mr Jadhav launched a "Common Yoga Protocol Book in Braille" to support the visually impaired in learning and practicing yoga with convenience. He also launched the "Professor Ayushman" comic on Yoga. “This book will help children learn and practice yoga with interest and entertainment,” he said.

As a special initiative, this year the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) is organising a unique initiative — "Yoga for Space" — to mark the IDY 2024. All Isro scientists and officials will perform yoga together as per the "common yoga protocol" guidelines. The team from the Gaganyaan project will also join the IDY global campaign by practicing yoga on the occasion.

To promote technology and start-ups in the field of yoga, the Ayush ministry has organised the "Yoga Tech Challenge" on the MyGov portal and the MyBharat portal, which aims to identify and promote those start-ups or individuals who have developed yoga-related tools, software, and accessory products.

Ayush ministry secretary Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha said that the IDY is not only a celebration but also a concerted effort to bring about a behavioural change so that people adopt yoga in their lives so that they can get the benefits of yoga.

Mr Vaidya highlighted that the whole government's approach to the IDY celebrations is to ensure an inclusive and widespread observance each year.

“Along with state governments, Union territories are actively participating in the IDY 2024. The National Ayush Mission team across the nation is also actively involved in organising IDY events. This collaborative effort underscores the importance of yoga in promoting holistic health and well-being across all sectors of society,” he said.