World looking at Yoga as an agent of global good: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said yoga is not just a discipline but also a science which offers solutions to the challenge of maintaining focus, and that the world is looking at it as a powerful agent of global good.

Modi attended the ‘International Yoga Day’ celebrations held here at Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre, on the banks of Dal Lake. However, the Friday morning function was interrupted by rains and it had to be shifted indoors.

Regional politicians criticised the administration for asking government employees to report for the function around 3 am and threatening them with disciplinary action if they failed to do so, and also for forcing them to walk in the rain barefoot near the venue. The administration, however, has refuted the allegations.

The Yoga Day functions were held at several places in Srinagar and in districts across the Union Territory. The theme of ‘International Day of Yoga’, which has completed 10 years this year, is ‘Yoga for Self and Society’.

"The world is looking at yoga as a powerful agent of global good. Yoga helps us realise that our welfare is related to the welfare of the world around us," said Modi. “When we are peaceful within, we can also make a positive impact on the world.”

The PM said the world is witnessing the rise of a new yoga economy. "The number of people practicing yoga around the world is steadily increasing...Yoga and tourism can become a major source of employment in J&K," he said.

Modi said concentration gets enhanced through yoga and meditation and, therefore, yoga is being included in the army as sports. "Astronauts are also given yoga and meditation training as part of their space programme training. This increases productivity and endurance," Modi said, adding, "Nowadays, even prisoners are being made to practice yoga in many jails, so they can focus on positive thoughts. Yoga is paving the way for positive changes in society."

Meanwhile, Aga Ruhullah, National Conference leader and Lok Sabha member from Srinagar, said that reports and videos have surfaced showing employees being forced into walking barefoot at an event organised for the prime minister.

"The way this administration has treated the employees shows its disregard for respect and basic rights of the employees. And this behaviour is unacceptable. If these reports are true, the PMO should apologise for this disrespectful treatment of the employees," said Ruhullah.

Earlier, former J&K chief minister Mehbooba Mufti accused the administration of forcing employees, including a pregnant employee, to participate in the Yoga Day event.

"An occasion for celebration has become one that fills people with dread. A day before International Yoga Day, all government employees along with school children have been ordered to show up at different venues at ungodly hours. Even pregnant employees have not been spared,” Mufti said. “A pregnant employee was threatened to choose between her job or being present at the event." The administration has refuted the allegations.