'Yoga Pulled Me Out Of Mental And Physical Agony': President Droupadi Murmu In Odisha

President Murmu said that a number of nations around the world now recognise the significance of yoga to individuals' lives.

President Droupadi Murmu speaks during the Foundation Day celebrations of 'Jnanaprabha Mission', in Bhubaneswar. ( Image Source :PTI )

New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu on Friday reiterated the significance of yoga for a healthy lifestyle and said that regular practice of yoga could assist individuals in achieving success in all spheres of life and yoga had assisted her when she was in mental and physical agony, reported news agency PTI. President Murmu gave a speech at the Jnanaprabha Mission Foundation Day Celebration in Bhubaneswar. She said that a number of nations around the world now recognise the significance of yoga to individuals' lives. 

According to her, the change occurred after India persuaded the United Nations in 2014 to designate June 21 as International Yoga Day annually. 

The President stated that yoga embodies the unity of body, mind, and soul and is more than just a physical activity. On the occasion, other dignitaries included Odisha Governor Prof. Ganeshi Lal, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and others.

She also mentioned that the "mantra" to make India the "Biswa Guru" (world leader) is to empower women.

Murmu, who was in this area earlier in the day as part of a two-day trip to her home state, emphasised the importance of practicing yoga because it can help people grow spiritually, which in turn leads to the development of both individuals and the nation as a whole.

The President said, “At one point of time, I felt completely broken both physically and mentally and embarked on yoga. I am here today standing before you and speaking to you just because of yoga.”

Before becoming the Governor of Jharkhand in 2015, Murmu experienced the brief deaths of her two sons, husband, and brother, though she did not provide any specifics.

Yoga, according to Murmu, serves as a link between the soul and the divinity, appealing to all to achieve the greater goal by maintaining one's health.

She stated, "One needs to strive for purification of the body, mind and soul and spiritual awakening."

Even though people need money and other things to live, the President said that they shouldn't chase material things. Instead, they should strive for knowledge and focus on spiritual awakening, which will help them reach new heights.

She stated that the world has only now realised the significance of yoga as a result of India's efforts.

Murmu stated, adding, "This is the essence of dharma. Taking care of parents instead of offering prayers to their photos is a much greater job.” She said Indian traditions and cultures put mothers at the top for their endless sacrifice towards a child.

“We need to ask whether today’s youngsters are giving adequate love and care to their parents who have sacrificed their entire life for them,” Murmu said.

The President stated, "Be it spirituality, politics, education or any other field, women have all along excelled. They create human beings and these human beings make a nation strong," 

According to Murmu, India cannot become "Biswa Guru" by neglecting women because half of its population is female.

She stated that India must rise to the top in all spheres and has already moved up to rank fifth in the world in terms of economy.

She further added that Jnanaprabha, which bears the name of the mother of Paramahamsa Yoganandji, is a independent organisation that promotes women's empowerment.

The function also featured speeches from Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Odisha Governor Prof. Ganeshi Lal, and others.