Jairam Thakur Hails PM Modi’s Role in Making Yoga Global Movement
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Yoga is India’s priceless gift to the world, says Leader of Opposition
Shimla, June 21: Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur on Saturday credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for transforming yoga into a global mass movement and giving India’s ancient tradition unprecedented international recognition.
Participating in the 12th International Day of Yoga celebrations at Shimla’s Ridge Maidan along with Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla and yoga enthusiasts, Thakur said yoga is one of India’s most valuable civilizational gifts and has today emerged as a universal symbol of health, balance and well-being.
He said that under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, yoga has gone beyond being merely a form of physical exercise and has been presented to the world as a holistic practice that harmonizes the body, mind and spirit. According to Thakur, millions of people across more than 190 countries have adopted yoga as part of their daily lives.
Highlighting the global recognition accorded to yoga, Thakur recalled that Prime Minister Modi proposed the idea of an International Day of Yoga during his address to the United Nations General Assembly on September 27, 2014, just months after assuming office. The proposal received the support of 177 countries, and on December 11, 2014, the UN General Assembly officially declared June 21 as the International Day of Yoga. The first celebration was held worldwide on June 21, 2015.
The Leader of Opposition said Prime Minister Modi’s vision, diplomacy and sustained advocacy have helped position yoga at the centre of the global wellness movement. He added that the strengthening of the Ministry of AYUSH and the development of institutional mechanisms for yoga research, training, certification and standardisation have further contributed to its growth.
Describing yoga as “zero-budget health insurance,” Thakur said the practice is not only effective in preventing lifestyle diseases but also promotes a healthy and balanced way of life. He noted that yoga has also boosted wellness tourism, with destinations such as Rishikesh, Varanasi and Mysuru attracting visitors from around the world.
Thakur said International Yoga Day is more than an annual observance; it represents a commitment to healthy living, mental well-being and positive social transformation. He added that Prime Minister Modi has played a historic role in taking yoga from India’s ancient traditions to a worldwide movement benefiting humanity.
