International Yoga Day 2020: PM Modi lists benefits of Yoga amid COVID; watch FULL speech

On the occasion of International Yoga Day on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing the nation extended his greetings and said this day is a day of solidarity and universal brotherhood. He said that Yoga enhances "our quest for a healthier planet." and it has emerged as a force for unity and deepens the bonds of humanity. "It does not discriminate. It goes beyond race, colour, gender, faith and nations. Anybody can embrace Yoga," PM Modi said.

'Yoga can definitely help us...'

The Prime Minister said, "If we can fine-tune our chords of health and hope, the day is not far away when the world will witness the success of healthy and happy humanity. Yoga can definitely help us make this happen." PM Modi also said that this is an occasion to enhance family bonding through 'Yoga at home' PM Modi said that Coronavirus attacks the respiratory system and people can strengthen it by doing breathing exercises.

"Yoga provides us with the self-motivation and confidence to fight and win against difficulties. Yoga calms us down, mentally. It also helps us with more endurance power," PM Modi said. 

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WATCH PM Modi's full address on International Yoga Day

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the occasion tweeted saying, "Yoga is a medium that establishes harmony between body and mind, action and thought & between man and nature. Modi Ji's efforts led to global acceptance of Yoga, which is a precious gift of Indian culture to the entire humanity."

About International Yoga Day

The idea of celebrating International Yoga Day was first suggested by PM Narendra Modi in his 2014 UNGA speech. Followed by the propositions, the United Nations General Assembly drafted a resolution that was titled International Yoga Day on October 14, 2014. The draft proposed humongous support across the world and 21 June was selected as the International Yoga Day.

International Yoga Day was first observed across the world on June 21, 2015 and in India, the Ministry of AYUSH helped set up the event that included PM Modi, several dignitaries that arrived from about 84 countries and around 35, 985 people who celebrated the day at Rajpath, New Delhi. Around 21 yoga asanas were performed for about 35 minutes.

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