New Delhi/IBNS: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the citizens of Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir at Dal Lake on the occasion of International Day of Yoga on Friday.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said the spectacle of enthusiasm and commitment shown by the people of Jammu & Kashmir towards yoga will be immortalized in the minds of people.

He underlined that the rainy weather conditions leading to a fall in the temperature failed to dampen the spirit of the people, even though the International Yoga Day program was delayed and had to be fragmented into 2-3 parts.

Modi highlighted the importance of yoga in becoming an instinct of life for self and society and said that the benefits of yoga can be reaped when it gets associated with daily life and takes a simpler form.

Photo courtesy: PIB

The Prime Minister said that meditation, which is part of yoga, can intimidate common people due to its spiritual overtones, however, it could be understood easily as concentration and focus on things.

He said that this concentration and focus can be cultivated with practice and techniques. This state of mind gives great results with least tiredness and helps to avoid distractions. He said apart from the spiritual journey, which will eventually come, meditation is a tool for self-improvement and training.

"Yoga is as important, applicable and powerful for the self as it is for society," the Prime Minister emphasized.

He said that entire humanity benefits when society benefits from yoga. He recalled watching a video about a competition organized in Egypt regarding photographing or making a video on yoga at the country’s iconic tourism centers and praised the efforts of those taking part in it.

"Similarly, yoga and tourism can become a major source of employment in Jammu & Kashmir." the Prime Minister highlighted.

Photo courtesy: PIB

Concluding the address, the Prime Minister lauded the commitment of the people of Jammu & Kashmir to withstand the harsh weather conditions and come out in large numbers to show their support for the International Yoga Day, 2024 event in Srinagar.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh joined all ranks and their families for the celebrations in the ancient city of Mathura.

General Manoj Pande, Chief of the Army Staff, was also in attendance.

In Delhi, the International Day of Yoga was commemorated at Cariappa Parade Ground, Delhi Cantonment, where serving Indian Army personnel, Defence Attaches of Friendly Foreign Countries along with their families and NCC cadets participated.

The Yoga session in Delhi was led by Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi, the Vice Chief of the Army Staff.

Besides India, the International Day of Yoga was also observed by all Indian Army contingents deployed in United Nations Missions across the globe. The local population participated in the celebration in overwhelming numbers.