#### Unparalleled Contribution of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Popularising Indian Yoga Globally

On Saturday, June 21, International Yoga Day will be celebrated across the globe through various events and programs. The United Nations had officially declared June 21 as International Yoga Day in 2015, and since then, the day has served to increase awareness of yoga and its wide-ranging benefits. This global celebration is dedicated to promoting the importance of yoga and its health benefits while fostering international unity and cooperation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has played a pivotal role in the global recognition and promotion of International Yoga Day. In 2014, he passionately advocated for the proposal to mark June 21 as International Yoga Day during his address at the United Nations General Assembly. His efforts led to the formal global adoption of the day. Since 2015, the Modi government has organised nationwide yoga events every year on this day. Modi has displayed unwavering commitment to the cause of yoga and has undertaken remarkable initiatives to spread its significance worldwide.

International Yoga Day serves as a crucial opportunity to increase awareness of yoga and help individuals enhance their physical, mental, and spiritual health. Through the observance of this day, people not only learn about the discipline but also experience its benefits directly in their lives.

The development and dissemination of yoga have long been influenced by the contributions of Indian Vedas and saints. The Vedas detail the principles and practices of yoga, including pranayama, meditation, and asanas. These scriptures view yoga as a path toward spiritual awakening and liberation (moksha). Saints have expanded on different forms of yoga such as Hatha Yoga, Raja Yoga, and Bhakti Yoga, underlining their relevance and spreading their benefits among the masses.

From the Vedic era onward, Indian sages and yogis have played a vital role in nurturing yoga. Patanjali composed the Yoga Sutras, a foundational text on yoga’s principles and practices. Adi Shankaracharya expounded the doctrine of Advaita Vedanta, incorporating the spiritual importance of yoga. Tirumular authored the Tirumandiram, a significant yogic text. Collectively, the Vedas, saints, and yogis of India have profoundly shaped the evolution and global reach of yoga.

In Indian culture, yoga has been revered since ancient times. It enhances physical flexibility, strength, and balance, and helps reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Yoga also promotes self-awareness and spiritual growth, guiding practitioners on the path to the divine.

On Saturday, several events will be held across India and abroad in celebration of International Yoga Day. Distinguished leaders like President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Governors, and Chief Ministers will participate in these events. Rajasthan Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani, currently on a visit to France and Germany, will lead a yoga session for Indian expatriates and their families in France. He will also highlight the significance of Yoga Day. In Paris, he will meet with Indian expatriates, especially those from Rajasthan. The Indian Embassy has organised a high tea on the occasion.