Reuters, United Nations – At a celebration of International Yoga Day on Wednesday at the UN in New York, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged everyone “to join hands together to realize the goal of one earth, one family, one future.”
In 2014, the United Nations adopted a resolution put forth by Modi and proclaimed June 21 as the International Day of Yoga.
Modi addressed a group of yoga enthusiasts sitting on yellow mats on the north lawn of U.N. headquarters beside the East River in New York. “Let us use the power of yoga, not only to be healthy, happy, but also to be kind to ourselves and to each other,” Modi said.
“Let us use the power of yoga to build bridges of friendship, a peaceful world, and a cleaner, greener and sustainable future,” he stated.
The White House regards Modi’s discussions with President Joe Biden while he is in the country as supporting “one of the defining partnerships of our age.”
Despite worries over what is perceived as a worsening human rights situation under his Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, Modi will be making his first visit to the US with the full diplomatic status of a state visit. Modi has visited the US five times since taking office as prime minister in 2014.
Modi will travel to Washington on Wednesday night from New York for a private dinner with Biden. On Thursday, he will have discussions at the White House and attend a state banquet.
Modi paid his homage in front of a bust of Indian independence hero Mahatma Gandhi on the U.N. grounds on Wednesday before going on stage to address.
Gandhi, who was born in 1869, played a key role in India’s fight for independence. He was assassinated by a Hindu radical on Jan. 30, 1948, just a few months after he led India to freedom from British rule through a nonviolent struggle. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres delivered a video message to the yoga event, saying he wanted to “recognize Prime Minister Modi for all he has done to promote understanding of yoga and its many benefits.”
Why is Yoga Day observed worldwide?
Every year on June 21, International Yoga Day provides a worldwide forum for promoting awareness of the numerous advantages of yoga practice. The emphasis of this year’s theme, “Yoga for Self and Society,” is on the benefits of yoga for promoting both social harmony and personal well-being.
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