Srinagar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a spirited gathering of citizens at Dal Lake in Srinagar today, marking the celebration of the International Day of Yoga. Despite rainy weather and a significant drop in temperature, the people of Jammu & Kashmir showcased remarkable enthusiasm and commitment, a scene the Prime Minister said would be immortalized in the memories of all who witnessed it.
Prime Minister Modi praised the crowd’s resilience, noting that the inclement weather, which led to delays and necessitated splitting the event into several parts, did not diminish the collective spirit. He emphasized that yoga’s benefits are most profound when integrated into daily life, transforming into a natural, instinctive practice.
“Yoga, including meditation, can initially seem daunting due to its spiritual connotations,” said Modi. “However, when understood as a practice of concentration and focus, it becomes accessible and immensely beneficial. This mental discipline results in great productivity with minimal fatigue and fewer distractions. While the spiritual journey may follow, meditation is fundamentally a tool for self-improvement and personal development.”
Highlighting the broader societal impact, the Prime Minister stated, “Yoga is as important and powerful for the self as it is for society. When society benefits from yoga, all of humanity benefits.” He recalled a recent video from Egypt, showcasing a competition to photograph or film yoga at iconic tourist sites, praising such initiatives. Modi suggested that yoga, combined with tourism, could become a significant source of employment in Jammu & Kashmir.
In his concluding remarks, Prime Minister Modi commended the unwavering dedication of the people of Jammu & Kashmir. Their participation in large numbers, despite harsh weather conditions, underscored their support for the International Yoga Day event in Srinagar.