Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday addressed the world from the United Nations's headquarters on the International Day of Yoga. Thanking all nations for participating in the event and hailing the benefits of yoga, he said: "Yoga is India's gift to the world... Yoga is copyright free and is portable. Anyone can do yoga anywhere."
"I am told that almost every country is represented here today. And it's amazing that we have gathered for yoga. Yoga means 'to unite'," he said.
He further said: "Let us use the power of Yoga not only to be healthy and happy, but also to be kind to ourselves and to each other. Let us use the power of yoga to build bridges of friendship, a peaceful world and a cleaner, greener and sustainable future. Let us join hands together to realise the goal of 'One Earth, One Family, One Future'."
PM Modi later participated in the yoga session that was held on the lawns
At the event on the UN headquarters' lawns, UN Secretary-General António Guterres in a video message said: "In a divided world, yoga unites millions of people across the globe, for whom it is a source of strength, harmony, and peace. On this #YogaDay, let us embrace this spirit of unity, and resolve to build a better, more harmonious world for people & planet," Guitieress
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in New York on Tuesday as part of the first leg of his three-day State visit to the United States. While the International Yoga Day celebrations at the United Nations was the highlight of his brief stay in the city, PM Modi is also meeting thought leaders and business magnates, including Elon Musk.
PM Modi received a grand welcome by the Indian diaspora in New York. PM Modi also interacted with some of them and shook hands amid 'Modi, Modi' chants and waving of the tricolour.