Modi leads Int'l Yoga Day in Lucknow; thousands join despite rains

Lucknow: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday led the third edition of International Yoga Day at Ramabai Ambedkar Maidan in Lucknow performing asanas along with over 50,000 yoga enthusiasts braving early morning drizzles.

Addressing a huge gathering here, Modi said yoga, akin to its capacity to unite the body, mind and soul, has played a "big role" in binding the world, cutting across linguistic and cultural barriers. He also asserted that the traditional practice has now become part of every person's life.

"Many countries which do not know our language, tradition, or culture, are now connecting to India through Yoga. The practice, which connects body, mind and soul, has played a big role in binding the world too," he said.

"Earlier, Yoga was only restricted to saints and seers in the Himalayan mountains. Now, it has become part of every person's life," he said in his address.

"It is not important to perform yoga for 24 hours. 50 or 60 minutes (is fine) because it lends harmony to the body, mind and intellect. If 1.25 billion Indians and people around the world can attain this state of well-being, then humankind can also tide over problems born out of human thoughts," he said. He also explained the importance of Yoga using an analogy of salt.

"Just as the importance of salt is not only to lend taste to food, but also ensure well-being of the body, similarly Yoga can have the same importance as salt has in life," he
said.

Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and cabinet ministers were also be present at the event.

The Prime Minister expressed his happiness over the increasing number of Yoga institutes being opened over the last three years and said that the demand for Yoga teachers is increasing.

PM Modi also stressed on the importance of wellness apart from physical fitness and said that Yoga was a medium to achieve wellness.

“Yoga is about health assurance. It is not even expensive to practice,” Modi said.

Speaking at the venue ahead of Prime Minister Modi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath thanked volunteers for waiting patiently despite rainfall.

The 80 minute Yoga session was in full swing despite the heavy rain.

Many Union ministers led the International Yoga Day celebrations in different parts of the country.

Meanwhile, Gujarat Chief Miniuster M Vijay Rupani, Amit Shah and Baba Ramdev participated in a Yoga camp in Ahmedabad with an aim to set up a record having the highest number of participants.

Union minister M Venkaiah Naidu, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, BJP leader Vijay Goel, Delhi L-G Anil Baijal were present at the NDMC International Yoga Day at Connaught Place.

In order to make the International Yoga Day programme a success, various organisations, NGOs and Yoga gurus have held camps and practice sessions.

Massive security arrangements are in place in the state capital in view of Prime Minister's visit. Large numbers of police officers and 25 companies of PAC are deployed.