Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi marked the 8^th International Yoga Day celebration by participating in a Mass Yoga Demonstration involving thousands of participants at Mysuru Palace Ground, Karnataka.

Addressing the event at Mysuru, the Prime Minister said, “Yoga brings peace to our society, nations, world and Yoga brings peace to our universe. I extend my greetings to all on this 8^th International Yoga Day. Today, Yoga is being practiced in all parts of the world. The peace from Yoga is not only for individuals, it brings peace to our nations and the world.” He further added, “This whole universe starts from our own body and soul. The universe starts from us. And, Yoga makes us conscious of everything within us and builds a sense of awareness.”

On the widespread acceptance of Yoga, the Prime Minister remarked that “Yoga has now become a global festival. Yoga is not only for any individual, but for the entire humanity. Therefore, this time the theme of International Day of Yoga is - Yoga for humanity”.

Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman joined the 8^th International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2022 celebrations with the yoga practitioners of Morarji Desai Yoga Institute at iconic Jantar Mantar here today.

Highlighting the benefits of doing Yoga in everyday life, the Union Finance Minister noted, “The reason why we have accumulated here today is to share the idea of goodness from India with the world. The celebration of Yoga today is the result of the active participation, active taking up and going over the entire world with the idea of Yoga by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi.”

Smt. Sitharaman said, “Yoga is one typical example of what India has to offer to the entire universe. Earlier, Yoga practitioners, who had access to other civilisations, spread its knowledge to the terrains out of India but never before has it been taken at this scale, both in India and abroad. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji took it to the United Nations for recognition of Yoga as a global knowledge asset. It was there that it was decided that 21st June will be marked as International Yoga Day. And since then you've seen that not just on that day but also throughout the year, Yoga has spread all over the world.”

“Yoga is a very evolved, mind and body unifying exercise. It is one of the biggest assets of India. Over the Millennia, it has been practiced by those who were aware of its virtues and has remained intact. There has been no corrosion to its inherent teachings. The way it has been practiced also stays intact,” the Finance Minister stated.

The Finance Minister underlined that yoga is not just an exercise, but it also unites the mind and body to be in synchrony. This is a big asset of India which is appreciated globally today. But not just for physical fitness but also for alertness of mind, a well integrated nervous system and circulation. The medicinal virtues of yoga are very well documented.

Union Minister of State for Finance Shri Pankaj Choudhary joined the 8^th International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2022 celebrations with the practitioners at Prashar Lake, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh today.

Union Minister of State for Finance Dr Bhagwat Kisanrao Karad joined the 8^th International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2022 celebrations with the yoga practitioners at Sabarmati River front, Ahmedabad, today.

After two years when celebrations of Yoga Day were aligned with the Covid-19 pandemic protocols, widespread enthusiasm and participation was observed across the country for this year’s 8^th edition of the IDY 2022 to support the message of “Yoga for Humanity”.

This year International Day of Yoga has witnessed many firsts, including a “Guardian Ring” programme which entails live streaming of people performing yoga in 16 different time zones along with the rise of the sun. As part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, Yoga demonstration by Union Cabinet Ministers is taking place at 75 Iconic sites across India, including the Statue of Unity.

****

RM/MV/KMN

(Release ID: 1836029) Visitor Counter : 1570