Srinagar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated International Yoga Day in Srinagar, the “land of sadhna,” on Friday. Speaking at an event in Jammu and Kashmir’s capital, PM Modi emphasized that yoga helps practitioners understand the interconnectedness of individual and global well-being. He noted the rise in yoga practitioners over the past decade and highlighted the “yoga economy” that has created employment opportunities in India.

Following PM Modi’s proposal, the United Nations declared June 21st as International Yoga Day in 2014.

“I extend greetings to people of the country and those performing yoga worldwide on Yoga Day. International Yoga Day has completed a historic 10-year journey. In 2014, I proposed this day at the United Nations, supported by 177 nations, a record in itself. Since then, Yoga Day has been setting new records,” he said.

“I am honored to be in the land of ‘yoga’ and ‘sadhna’. In Srinagar, we can feel the ‘shakti’ that yoga imparts. I extend my wishes on Yoga Day from Kashmir to all yoga practitioners in India and globally,” said PM Modi, who is on a two-day visit to Srinagar.

PM Modi stated that yoga’s global expansion has boosted yoga tourism in India.

Interacting with the yoga practioners in Srinagar, J&K. Do watch. https://t.co/WCkPgtiSGx

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 21, 2024

“In the last 10 years, yoga’s expansion has transformed its perception. The world now sees a thriving yoga economy. From Rishikesh and Kashi to Kerala, yoga tourism is flourishing. Tourists worldwide come to India to learn authentic yoga. Many even hire personal yoga trainers for fitness. These developments have created new opportunities and employment for the youth,” he added.

PM Modi said that since the adoption of International Yoga Day, the number of people practicing yoga has continuously increased worldwide.

“Interest in yoga is growing. Wherever I go and whoever I meet, they ask me about yoga with curiosity. Yoga is becoming a part of daily life,” he said.

He further emphasized that yoga promotes strength, good health, and wellness, urging people to integrate this ancient system into their daily routines for physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

“This year, a 101-year-old yoga teacher from France received the Padma Shri. Despite never visiting India, she dedicated her life to spreading yoga awareness. Today, prestigious universities and institutions worldwide are conducting yoga research and publishing papers,” he added.