Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said Yoga had become a gateway for the world to understand India.
He said the country was confidently presenting its cultural identity, traditional knowledge and scientific heritage to the international community.
Addressing the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Prashanti Kutiram, the headquarters of Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana (S-VYASA) in Bengaluru, PM Modi highlighted Yoga’s growing global acceptance.
He said millions of people across Australia, America and Africa participated in International Yoga Day celebrations.
The Prime Minister noted that several foreign educational institutions had incorporated Yoga into their programmes.
He cited Saudi Arabia, where authorities recognised Yoga as a course and signed an agreement with India’s Ministry of AYUSH to promote the practice.
PM Modi said his interactions with foreign leaders had shown the growing international interest in Yoga. He also recalled meeting members of royal families, including Qatar’s royal family, who actively practised it.
“When people across the world become familiar with Yoga, their desire to know India also increases. They become attracted to our culture, heritage and knowledge. Yoga has opened a new avenue for strengthening India’s connection with the world,” he said.
Ayurveda and Traditional Healthcare Gain Global Reach
PM Modi highlighted the international expansion of traditional Indian healthcare systems. He said nearly 150 Ayurveda courses had received international recognition, while 28 countries had signed agreements with India concerning Ayurveda.
He also pointed to growing global interest in naturopathy and Ayurveda. The government had encouraged research, patents and exports of Ayurvedic products.
Referring to international demand for Indian turmeric, PM Modi said the government had established the National Turmeric Board to support the sector and promote exports.
He also highlighted Yoga’s recognition as a competitive sport. The discipline has featured in Khelo India and the National Games.
Recalling Karnataka’s longstanding association with Yoga, PM Modi said the state had produced several prominent Yoga practitioners and gurus.
He also remembered late Kannada cinema icon Dr. Rajkumar. The Prime Minister said the legendary actor had contributed not only to the arts but also to Yoga.
PM Modi praised Prashanti Kutiram for developing from a modest Yoga centre into a major institution. He acknowledged its contributions to research, instructor training and addressing stress-related challenges and lifestyle diseases.
The Prime Minister also paid tribute to Hongasandra Venkataramaiah Sheshadri on his birth centenary. He described the thinker, writer and RSS organiser as someone who dedicated his life to building disciplined and responsible citizens.
PM Modi recalled Sheshadri’s emphasis on selfless social service. He also released six books authored by Sheshadri and translated from Kannada into English.
The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for S-VYASA’s Golden Jubilee Administrative Block. He also launched the institution’s off-campus centre in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
RSS Sahakaryavaha Dattatreya Hosabale, Governor Dr Sudha Yadav, BJP MP CN Manjunath, S-VYASA Chancellor Dr HR Nagendra and other dignitaries attended the programme.
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