The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, today described Yoga as a journey from "Aham to Vayam; Sva to Samasti." (I to we; Self to Universe). He said that if we perceive our human body to be a unique creation, then Yoga is similar to a "user manual" that made one aware of the immense capabilities of that creation. In his remarks at the International Conference on Yoga for holistic health, on the occasion of the first International Day of Yoga, the Prime Minister described Yoga as a "state of mind," (avasthaa), as opposed to being a commodity or a system (vyavasthaa). He said that the solidarity being expressed through Yoga, in the coming together with brothers and sisters in other countries, brings our hearts and minds closer. This support is not just for India, but for the great tradition of Yoga, the Prime Minister noted. He described Yoga as a means to achieve harmony with oneself, one's body, surroundings and nature. He said that when practised correctly and with discipline, Yoga leads to greater fulfilment in life.
The Prime Minister said that as the world united in celebrating the International Day of Yoga, there would be a lot of expectations, regarding Yoga, and India stands ready to the shoulder the responsibility of these expectations, for the greater good of the world. The Prime Minister described Yoga is a collective gift to humanity. He added that it may have originated in India, but it draws its energies from the millions who practice it around the world. He reiterated India's resolve to reach out and foster a culture of inclusiveness, of fraternity, of one global family – Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.The Prime Minister also released commemorative coins of Rs. 10 and Rs. 100 and a stamp of Rs. 5, to mark the occasion of the first International Day of Yoga. Speaking on the occasion, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik, Minister of State (I/C) for AYUSH said that Yoga is one of the greatest gifts of this country to the entire mankind. Probably that is the reason why as many as 177 out of 193 UN Member States not only supported the idea of declaring 21st June as the International Day of Yoga, but also co-sponsored the resolution.
He also pointed out that the health aspect of Yoga has become most significant and modern medicine has also started recognizing the value of the same. Yoga is largely being used in disease prevention. The biggest challenge of the Health Sector today is the large burden of non-communicable diseases. Conventional medicine is not having permanent or cost-effective solution to the problem of communicable diseases. Many feel that Yoga can play a great role to overcome this problem both in terms of prevention and management. The Minister of State for Finance Shri Jayant Sinha, and Yoga exponents Baba Ramdev, Dr Nagendra and Dr. Veerendra Heggade were also present on the occasion.