Posted On:
13 NOV 2026 2:01PM by PIB Delhi
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today participated in the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Prashanti Kutiram in Bengaluru, Karnataka. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, the Prime Minister greeted everyone in Kannada and expressed his joy at experiencing the remarkable energy of Yoga in Bengaluru. Noting that Karnataka has been a center of Yoga for centuries and the birthplace of numerous preceptors and scholars who enriched the tradition, he also recalled the contributions of legendary Kannada cinema icon Dr. Rajkumar. “Such practitioners of Yoga have also been here who, along with the world of art, also served Yoga,” remarked Shri Modi.
Describing Prashanti Kutiram's 50-year journey amid Karnataka's rich heritage as an unprecedented saga of service and dedication that every citizen should know, the Prime Minister highlighted its transformation from a modest center into a massive movement. “How an ordinary Yoga center transformed into such a massive movement is in itself an inspiration,” observed PM Modi.
Noting the inauguration of several new facilities at the campus during the milestone celebration, the Prime Minister extended his best wishes to the S-VYASA family for their ongoing initiatives. “I congratulate all of you, and the lakhs of Sadhaks associated with Prashanti Kutiram on the Golden Jubilee,” affirmed Shri Modi.
Paying reverent tributes to H. V. Seshadri on his birth centenary, which coincides with Prashanti Kutiram's Golden Jubilee this year, the Prime Minister stated that Seshadri ji dedicated his entire life to the mission of nation-building through character-building, recognizing that taking the country to the pinnacle of success requires dedicated, capable, and disciplined citizens.
Recalling H. V. Seshadri's simplicity, towering personality, vast experience, and deep humility in staying behind the scenes to elevate others, unite people, and prepare them for national service, the Prime Minister shared an example Seshadri ji often cited about learning from a mother who stays awake all night to nurture and serve her child selflessly. “If we expand this sentiment for society, then what great good will be done for society,” remarked Shri Modi.
Observing that H. V. Seshadri served society with the purity and selflessness of a mother, the Prime Minister expressed his good fortune in having continuously received Seshadri ji's affection and guidance. “The memories of the time spent with him and his words are still very precious to me today,” remarked PM Modi.
Recalling another unforgettable teaching of H. V. Seshadri, that when one gives to society with both hands, society gives back with lakhs of hands, the Prime Minister stated that he has witnessed this truth bear fruit repeatedly in his own life. “While serving the public has always given me their blessings, and this is a very big asset of my life,” affirmed Shri Modi.
Pointing out that this same spirit of selfless service is evident across H. V. Seshadri's family, the Prime Minister lauded Dr. H. R. Nagendra and Dr. R. Nagarathna for carrying his mission forward through their dedicated work. “I appreciate every effort of theirs as well, and I felicitate them,” affirmed PM Modi.
Recalling the era when India was bound in the shackles of colonial rule and lakhs of freedom fighters battled for independence, the Prime Minister highlighted the parallel role played by national sages (Rashtra Rishis) like Swami Vivekananda in awakening the nation's spiritual consciousness. “He showed the youth of India the path of Yoga,” noted Shri Modi.
Stating that inspiration from sages like Swami Vivekananda gave birth to institutions like Prashanti Kutiram and S-VYASA, which not only connected the masses with Yoga but also conducted modern scientific research, trained practitioners, teachers, doctors, and philosophers serving globally, and built a holistic wellness ecosystem integrating Yoga, Ayurveda, naturopathy, and modern medicine, the Prime Minister praised their research on stress and lifestyle diseases. “The research work done in this direction has served the entire world, and I appreciate Prashanti Kutiram for these efforts,” remarked PM Modi.
Emphasizing that India has presented its culture, identity, and scientific heritage to the world with absolute confidence over the past 12 years, leading to the global observance of International Day of Yoga across Australia, Africa, and America with crores of participants and the entry of Yoga into schools, institutions, and workplaces worldwide, the Prime Minister noted that Saudi Arabia has recognized Yoga as a sports activity and its Sports Ministry signed an agreement with India's Ministry of AYUSH. “Examples of foreign nationals promoting Yoga continuously come to the fore, and the country is also enhancing their pride by honoring them with the Padma Shri,” observed Shri Modi.
Pointing out that growing global familiarity with Yoga sparks curiosity about India and an attraction toward its culture and traditional knowledge, opening new avenues of global connection through collective effort, the Prime Minister highlighted the parallel international expansion of Ayurveda. “In different countries of the world, more than 150 Ayurveda training courses have been recognized, and for cooperation in the expansion of Ayurveda, MoUs have been signed with 28 countries of the world,” noted PM Modi.
Stating that the government amended several rules alongside promoting Yoga so that the benefits of Yoga and Ayurveda reach every citizen, the Prime Minister highlighted that Yogasana has been recognized as a competitive sport in India and given a dedicated place in the Khelo India and National Games. “This change is very important for India, as pathways have also opened up for people connected with Yoga to participate in competitive tournaments,” asserted Shri Modi.
Detailing the government's sustained promotion of Ayurveda through the creation of a dedicated Ministry of AYUSH and support for Ayurvedic research and patents, which has propelled the AYUSH economy to lakhs of crores of rupees alongside rising herbal exports and growing global demand for Indian turmeric used for generations in households, the Prime Minister highlighted institutional steps to boost turmeric exports. “To give new strength to the production, quality, and export of turmeric, we have also constituted a National Turmeric Board,” noted PM Modi.
Emphasizing the need to share the benefits of India's ancient science and modern research with humanity while creating youth opportunities, the Prime Minister pointed to the launch of the e-AYUSH Visa facility to ease travel for foreign medical visitors and the establishment of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar. “Through this, research and international cooperation in traditional medicine are being promoted,” observed Shri Modi.
Noting that 140 crore citizens are working toward a Viksit Bharat energized by the latest World Bank report showing nearly 50 crore Indians escaped extreme poverty in 12 to 13 years, opening new avenues for families to prioritize health through Yoga with the support of Prashanti Kutiram, the Prime Minister urged the institution to draft a roadmap for new goals. “Prashanti Kutiram will also get the benefit of his youthful energy, and the country will also get it,” remarked PM Modi.
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MJPS/SS/VJ/PRK