In New York, the leader of the world’s largest secular democracy and a significant economic power celebrated an ancient pursuit of inner calm.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led a celebration of International Yoga Day at the United Nations in New York on Wednesday, urging people “to join hands together to realize the goal of one earth, one family, one future.” The event was also streamed live and broadcast by UN media partners and attended by representatives from over 180 countries.
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) President Csaba Korosi, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ruchira Kamboj, and Mayor of New York City Eric Adams greeted PM, Modi as he arrived to lead a special Yoga session at UN Headquarters. They recalled the historic moment in 2014 when a record number of members adopted the resolution to observe the International Day of Yoga and observer States at the 69th Session of the UNGA, with 177 countries co-sponsoring it.
As part of the program, a Yoga class was conducted by experts from India. The class participants included diplomats, UN officials, and other distinguished guests.
After the class, PM Modi addressed the audience and called for all to take up Yoga and use it to improve their lives, including in the area of health. He also emphasized the non-denominational aspect of Yoga and urged all to make it a way of life.
Modi praised the United Nations for its efforts in spreading the message of Yoga and peace. He said that Yoga is a powerful means to achieve peace of mind and body. He added that Yoga helps in enhancing the quality of life and is a tool for self-transformation and self-development.
The Prime Minister also called for all nations to cooperate in Yoga. He said that the United Nations is an ideal platform to promote the practice of Yoga and other Indian arts, culture, and traditions. He further emphasized that Yoga is the bridge to peace and harmony at the global level.
PM Modi also reiterated India’s commitment to the United Nations and its role as a global power. He said that India would continue to support the work of the United Nations in its mission toward achieving its sustainable development goals.
Modi, on a three-day visit to the United States, will attend a state dinner with President Joe Biden on Thursday and hold meetings with top US leaders. He is also expected to discuss human rights and climate change with Biden. During his visit to the US, Modi will promote Indian traditional medicine and Yoga. He has made a concerted effort to highlight the benefits of Yoga to improve health and reduce stress. He is a practitioner of Yoga and says he practices it daily to keep himself healthy. His trip is being criticized by Democrats, including new members of Congress who want him to address concerns about the erosion of religious and press freedoms in India. Associated Press writers Edith Lederer and Ted Shaffrey at the United Nations, Krutika Pathi in New Delhi, and Darlene Superville in Washington contributed to this report.