Srinagar, June 21: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday lauded the spectacle of enthusiasm and commitment shown by the people of J&K towards yoga.
Addressing a gathering of people on the banks of Dal Lake on the occasion of International Day of Yoga (IDY), PM Modi said that today’s spectacle of enthusiasm and commitment shown by the people of J&K towards yoga will be immortalised in the minds of people.
He underlined that the rainy weather conditions leading to a fall in the temperature failed to dampen the spirit of the people, even though the IDY programme was delayed and had to be fragmented into two to three parts.
The PM highlighted the importance of yoga in becoming an instinct of life for self and society and said that the benefits of yoga could be reaped when it gets associated with daily life and takes a simpler form.
He said that meditation, which is part of yoga, could intimidate common people due to its spiritual overtones but it could be understood easily as concentration and focus on things.
PM Modi said that this concentration and focus could be cultivated with practice and techniques.
“This state of mind gives great results with the least tiredness and helps to avoid distractions,” he said. “Apart from the spiritual journey, which will eventually come, meditation is a tool for self-improvement and training.”
The PM said yoga was as important, applicable, and powerful for the self as it was for society.
He said that entire humanity benefits when society benefits from yoga.
PM Modi recalled watching a video about a competition organised in Egypt regarding photographing or making a video on yoga at the country’s iconic tourism centres and praised the efforts of those taking part in it.
“Similarly, yoga and tourism can become a major source of employment in J&K,” he said.
Concluding the address, the PM lauded the commitment of the people of J&K to withstand the harsh weather conditions and come out in large numbers to show their support for the IDY 2024 event in Srinagar.