COIMBATORE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave a clarion call to create a new yuga of togetherness and harmony through Yoga.
Unveiling the 112 feet tall bust of Adiyogi, the first yoga guru, consecrated by Isha Yoga Centre founder Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev at the foothills of Velliangiri mountains in Coimbatore district on Friday, Modi said Yoga could be the panacea for lifestyle diseases, stress and addiction.
“Lifestyle related ailments, stress related diseases are becoming more and more common. It gives me immense sadness, one that I cannot describe in words, when I read about people taking to substance abuse and alcohol because they are not at peace with themselves,” he said.
Modi even suggested that Yoga could be crucial for world peace.
“The whole world wants peace, not just peace from wars and conflict but peace of the mind, and for that we have Yoga,” he said.
There is ample evidence that practicing Yoga helps combat stress and chronic conditions. If the body is a temple of the mind, Yoga creates a beautiful temple, PM Modi said, adding that more than being a cure to ailments, it is a means to wellness.
“Twisting and turning ones body in different poses is not Yoga. Yoga is far beyond physical exercises. Yoga – it is ancient, yet modern, it is constant, yet evolving. The essence of Yoga has not changed. It is of utmost importance to preserve this essence,” he said.
Stating that the family of Lord Shiva is a symbol of harmony in diversity, Modi said India too is a nation of unparalleled diversity.
“This diversity has been India’s greatest strength and has also brought India together. Diversity is not a cause of conflict for us. We accept it and embrace it wholeheartedly,” he said.
The Prime Minister also underlined the need to protect nature which is part and parcel of our culture.
