Amidst the scenic beauty of Dal Lake, PM Modi marks International Yoga Day, heralding a new era of progress for Jammu and Kashmir.
By Tauheed Ahmad
In a historic celebration of International Yoga Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Jammu and Kashmir, underscoring the region’s potential for unity and development. Against the picturesque backdrop of Dal Lake, Modi led yoga practitioners in a vibrant display of cultural heritage and aspirations for a brighter future. During his visit, he announced plans for assembly elections and inaugurated 84 development projects worth over Rs 1,500 crore. Highlighting the transformative impact of the 2019 scrapping of Article 370, Modi reaffirmed his commitment to integrating Jammu and Kashmir into the Indian mainstream and fostering a new era of progress and stability.
In a series of historic events, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Jammu and Kashmir, marking a significant step towards development and unity in the region. His visit to attend the International Day of Yoga, highlighted both the cultural heritage and the aspirations for a brighter future for Jammu and Kashmir.
On June 20, Prime Minister Modi addressed a gathering at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar. The event, titled “Empowering Youth, Transforming J&K,” saw the Prime Minister laid foundation stone and inaugurated 84 development projects worth over Rs 1,500 crore. These projects span various sectors, including road infrastructure, water supply, and higher education.
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Modi announced the beginning of preparations for assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. “The people of Jammu and Kashmir will soon elect their new government, paving the way for a brighter future as a state,” he stated. Emphasizing the importance of local representation, he remarked, “The people of Jammu and Kashmir will have the opportunity to choose their representatives, who will be instrumental in solving local issues. This is the essence of democracy.”
Highlighting the government’s commitment to bridging divides, both emotional and geographical, PM Modi stressed, “Whether the distance is of the heart or from Delhi, we are working tirelessly to bridge it.” He reiterated that the scrapping of Article 370 in August 2019 has led to the true implementation of the Indian Constitution in the region, promising unity and development.
On June 21, amidst the picturesque backdrop of Dal Lake, Prime Minister Modi addressed yoga practitioners and citizens on the occasion of International Day of Yoga. Despite rainy weather conditions, the enthusiasm of the participants remained undeterred.
“Today’s display of enthusiasm and commitment towards yoga by the people of Jammu & Kashmir will be remembered forever,” Prime Minister Modi said. He emphasized the importance of integrating yoga into daily life, noting that it should become a natural part of living.
Highlighting meditation as a tool for self-improvement, he said, “Meditation can be understood as focusing and concentrating on tasks, which, with practice, yields great results and minimizes fatigue.”
Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Manoj Sinha expressed his gratitude towards Prime Minister Modi for allowing Jammu and Kashmir to lead the International Yoga Day celebrations. “This historic event has put Jammu and Kashmir on the global map,” Sinha remarked.
He further emphasized the significance of yoga in enhancing physical, psychological, and emotional well-being. “Hon’ble PM has taken yoga to the world, and today this invaluable gift from our ancient tradition is being practiced across the globe. Yoga is a holistic approach towards happiness and is the first step towards a healthy life,” he added. Sinha highlighted that yoga unites body and mind, bringing consciousness and pure joy, as per the teachings of saint Patanjali.
The Prime Minister also drew attention to the global impact of yoga, referencing a competition in Egypt that showcased yoga at iconic tourism centers. He suggested that yoga and tourism could become significant sources of employment in Jammu and Kashmir.
Throughout his visit, Prime Minister Modi underscored the transformation occurring in Jammu and Kashmir over the past decade. He praised the region’s youth for their high voter turnout in recent elections, attributing it to their faith in democracy and the aspirations for a stable government.
Modi also launched the Competitiveness Improvement in Agriculture and Allied Sectors Project (JKCIP) worth Rs 1,800 crore, aimed at benefiting 300,000 households across 20 districts. He highlighted the progress in various sectors, including infrastructure, education, and sports, pointing out that Jammu and Kashmir is emerging as a hub for start-ups and skill development.
In his concluding remarks, the Prime Minister warned against enemies of peace and development, assuring that the government is committed to ensuring the safety and prosperity of Jammu and Kashmir. “This is their last-ditch effort to hinder the development of Jammu & Kashmir and prevent the establishment of peace,” he asserted. “We will strengthen the path of progress chosen by Jammu & Kashmir.”
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Jammu and Kashmir not only marked the celebration of International Yoga Day but also set the stage for a new era of development and unity in the region. His announcements and initiatives reflect a robust commitment to empowering the youth and transforming Jammu and Kashmir into a beacon of progress and stability.
Background of International Yoga Day
The International Day of Yoga, first observed on June 21, 2015, began with a landmark event at Rajpath in New Delhi where Prime Minister Modi and dignitaries performed yoga, setting Guinness World Records for the largest yoga class and the most nationalities participating. Since then, celebrations have expanded globally, reaching cities like New York, Paris, Beijing, and San Francisco.
In 2023, Modi led a historic yoga session at the U.N. Headquarters in New York, attended by top UN officials and prominent individuals worldwide. This global embrace of yoga underscores its significance as a tool for promoting physical and mental well-being, a vision passionately promoted by Modi.
Over the past decade, the Modi government has championed yoga as a holistic lifestyle choice, transcending borders and cultures. The United Nations General Assembly declared June 21st as the International Day of Yoga in 2014, recognizing its holistic approach to health and well-being. Since then, yoga has become a global movement, highlighted by diverse activities and programs.
The 2023 International Day of Yoga saw events like Ocean Ring of Yoga and Yoga from Arctic to Antarctica, further cementing yoga’s global prominence. Yoga has become a symbol of India’s ancient wisdom and spiritual heritage, fostering goodwill and understanding across borders. It has earned a place on UNESCO’s prestigious list of intangible world heritage.
The global recognition of yoga has boosted India’s tourism sector, making it a sought-after destination for yoga retreats and wellness tourism. Nationally, yoga has been integrated into the social fabric, with initiatives like the creation of the Ministry of AYUSH in 2014, yoga certification programs, and the introduction of yoga in the school curriculum through the New Education Policy 2020.
In the lead-up to International Yoga Day 2023, the government organized initiatives like ‘Har Aangan Yoga’ and Y-break @workspaces. These efforts reflect a comprehensive approach involving key ministries, national and international organizations, and Indian missions and embassies.
Over the past ten years, the government has also focused on educating citizens about the benefits of yoga for managing stress, improving mental health, and enhancing overall physical fitness. Millions of Indians participate in yoga-related activities, promoting a healthier and more mindful society while reinforcing the cultural fabric that binds the nation.
Yoga has positioned India as a leader in the global health and wellness industry, aligning with the Indian ethos of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ and G20’s focus on sustainable and inclusive growth. PM Modi asserts, “Through Yoga, we know the selfless action, we decide the journey from Karma to Karmayoga.” According to him, yoga fosters the physical strength and mental expansion needed to create a developed India by 2047.
Blurb
Throughout his visit, Prime Minister Modi underscored the transformation occurring in Jammu and Kashmir over the past decade. He praised the region’s youth for their high voter turnout in recent elections, attributing it to their faith in democracy and the aspirations for a stable government.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Jammu and Kashmir not only marked the celebration of International Yoga Day but also set the stage for a new era of development and unity in the region.
Leave a Reply