This Article is From Jun 21, 2016

PM Narendra Modi Launches Second International Yoga Day: Highlights

In his address, PM Modi announced two awards to be given out on the Third International Day next year.

Chandigarh: PM Narendra Modi addresses thousands of people gathered for asanas in Chandigarh this morning on the second International Day of Yoga.

Here are the highlights: 
  • At this moment, in every corner of the world, people have joined this programme of Yoga.
  • And all countries of the world have joined this programme according to their time the UN is celebrating IYD all over the world.
  • And all countries of the world have joined this programme according to their time.
  • The UN is celebrating International Yoga Day all over the world.
  • It was started last year on India's request.
  • This day was picked because in many parts of the world June 21 is the longest day. This is the day when the Earth is closest to the Sun.
  • We got the support of the entire world - both developed and developing countries.
  • People of all classes supported it.
    UN celebrates many days round the year but this one has become a Jan Andolan (People's Movement) unlike any other.
  • There are many days for health marked by the UN- World Cancer Day, World Health Day, World Mental Health Day, World AIDS Day.
  • But this is the day that is related to not just physical and mental health but also social health.
  • This is a day of also the traditions that have been handed over to us by our ancestors.
  • Yoga is a also a life discipline.
  • Sometimes people cannot understand this due to their limited understanding.
  • Yoga is not for getting something.
  • Yoga is about what we can give up.
  • It is a path of mukti (liberation), not paane ka (attainment).
  • Yoga is for peace in this world, unity in the world, not a science of heavens.
  • Yoga teaches us how to calm our mind and energise our body.
  • And if this balance is achieved, then our body can become a medium for achieving all we want.
  • Yoga doesn't discriminate among rich-poor, literate-illiterate.All you need is some space.
  • There is no life insurance anywhere in the world in zero budget, but yoga gives life assurance in zero budget.
  • Yoga is an inexpensive, simple way to improve your lives. I urge you not to wait, make yoga a part of your life.
  • Just like you have made the mobile phone a part of your life, you can adopt yoga.
  • Yoga is now popular all over the world.
  • We have become very busy, we have become cut-off from ourselves. Yoga can help us connect us to ourselves.
  • Yoga has become the centre of physical, mental, spiritual and social conscience.
  • Yoga is also becoming a major economic sector worldwide.
  • People are finding employment, billions are being invested, there are 24-hour yoga channels - all for yoga.
  • I have a request, next year, when we celebrate Yoga Day. Can we focus on one issue? And that is diabetes.
  • Diabetes is growing in India. Yoga can help control it
  • Can we start a people's movement to target diabetes through yoga?
  • If we can cure a few thousand people, we would have achieved a lot.
  • Yoga is not just a guarantee of fitness, but also wellness.
  • Today on the second International Yoga Day, on behalf of the Indian Govt, I am announcing 2 awards. Next year, on this day these awards will be given on behalf of India:
    1.    Best contribution to Yoga internationally
    2.    Best contribution to Yoga within India
  • Both people and organisations can win this award.
  • I once again thank the world for adopting this great Indian tradition.
  • I thank the people, yoga gurus, people of all generations.
  • All this space here in Chandigarh perhaps has not been used as well as it is has been today.
  • I am very happy to see thousands of people join us.
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