Prime Minister Narendra Modi Leads The International Yoga Day Celebrations At United Nations Headquarters In New York

New Delhi: In a first, Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the International Yoga Day 2023 celebrations, at the United Nations headquarters in New York. Leading the 9th year celebrations of Yoga Day at the North Lawn of UN Headquarters with the theme ‘Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, (The World is a family), PM Modi said, “On this fine morning, we are gathered here at the United Nations. At the meeting point of entire humanity. In this wonderful city of New York.”

Underlining the grandness of Yoga celebrations in New York, PM Modi said,

Friends, I am told that almost every nationality is represented here today. And, what an amazing cause to bring us all together, yoga.

Also Read: “What Unites Us, Is Yoga,” Says PM Modi, Wishing People On International Day Of Yoga 2023

Highlighting how the idea of International Yoga Day came to life, PM Modi further said,

Yoga means to unite. So your coming together is an expression of another form of yoga. I remember about nine years ago, right here at the UN, I had the honour to propose celebrating the International Day of Yoga on June 21. It was wonderful to see the entire world come together to support the idea back then. We are grateful to all nations for their support to this noble cause.

Talking about Yoga being the ancient Indian tradition, he further said,

Yoga is free from copyright. Free from patents and free from royalty payments. Yoga is adaptable to your age, gender and fitness level. Yoga is portable. You can do it at home, or at work or in transit. Yoga is flexible. You can practice it alone or in group. Learn from a teacher or be self-taught. Yoga unifies. It is for everyone, for all ethnicities, for all faiths and cultures. Yoga is truly universal.

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PM Modi further highlighted the benefits of Yoga and said,

When we do yoga, we feel physically fit, mentally calm and emotionally content. But it is not just about doing exercise on a mat. Yoga is a way of life. A holistic approach to health and well-being. A way to mindfulness in thoughts and actions. A way to live in harmony with self, other and nature.

At the event, PM Modi also highlighted how last year the entire world came together to support India’s proposal to support 2023 as the International Year of Millets. Explaining the benefits of Millets, PM Modi said, “Millets are a superfood. They promote holistic health and are good for environment too.”

He later, signed off the event and said,

I want to thank UN for hosting this event here in New York, today. I am grateful to the mayor and the city of new York for making this event successful. Let’s use the power of yoga not only to be healthy, happy but also to be kind to ourselves and to each other. Let us use the power of yoga to build bridges of friendship, a peaceful world and a cleaner, greener and sustainable future. Let us join hands together to realise the goal of one earth, one family, one future.

The International Yoga Day 2023 in New York saw the participation from top UN officials, envoys, people from over 180 countries and significant dignitaries. The list of people attending the grand event today included President of the 77th United Nations General Assembly, Csaba Korosi, Actor Richard Gere, New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Grammy award winner Ricky Kej to name a few.

Highlighting the importance of June 21, Ruchira Kamboj, Ambassador of India to the UN at the event said, “Today’s celebration is indeed very special as PM Modi is leading us in doing yoga here. It is under his leadership that 21st June was declared as #InternationalYogaDay.”

Also Read: From Malaika Arora, Kareena Kapoor Khan To Shilpa Shetty, A Look At How B-Town Marked Yoga Day 2023

UNGA President Csaba Kőrösi on the other hand at the event said, “Yoga changes our physical performance but it can spark in us different mental and intellectual performance. I have been an admirer of Yoga. Our world needs balance and self-control. Yoga is one of the means of achieving this.”

At the UN headquarters, Actor Richard Gere spoke with media about the event and said, “It is a very nice feeling here today..”

Three-time Grammy Award-Winning Musician Ricky Kej said,

I am extremely excited to be here. Thousands of people are here. I will be following PM Modi today and will do yoga here. This time it’s going to be really huge and amazing.

Before the event, PM Modi had paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at UN Headquarters lawns in New York.

He had also shared glimpses of United Nations headquarters on his social media and said, “All set for the International Day of Yoga at the @UN headquarters.”

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