Kumar Bahukhandi
PM Modi speaking in the radio program ‘Mann Ki Baat’.- File photo
PM Modi has mentioned Yoga Day in the 123rd episode of his radio program and also discussed the theme of Yoga Day. PM said that this time the theme was also very special, ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’. This is not just a slogan, it is a direction that makes us realize ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’.
The 123rd episode of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s radio program Mann Ki Baat was broadcast on Sunday. At the beginning of this radio program, PM Modi discussed Yoga Day. The PM said that International Yoga Day is becoming increasingly grand. Along with this, the PM also discussed the theme of Yoga Day this time and the recent 50 years of Emergency and said that democracy was murdered during the Emergency and the people of India were harassed.
PM said, ‘All of you must be filled with the energy of yoga and memories of ‘International Yoga Day’ at this time. This time too, on 21st June, crores of people from the country and the world participated in ‘International Yoga Day’. You will remember that it started 10 years ago. Now in 10 years, this process is becoming more grand every year. This is also an indication that more and more people are adopting yoga in their daily lives.’
Referring to the theme of Yoga Day, PM said, ‘This time the theme was also very special, ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’, that is, ‘One Earth – One Health’. This is not just a slogan, it is a direction that makes us realize ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’. I am sure, the grandeur of this year’s Yoga Day will definitely inspire more and more people to adopt yoga. Snowy peaks of the Himalayas and ITBP soldiers, yoga was seen there too, courage and sadhana went together. The people of Gujarat also created a new history. In Vadnagar, 2121 (twenty one hundred twenty one) people performed Bhujangasana together and created a new record. Pictures of yoga came from New York, London, Tokyo, Paris, every big city of the world and one thing was special in every picture, peace, stability and balance.
The PM said, ‘A grand glimpse of yoga was also seen on our naval ships. In Telangana, three thousand Divyang friends participated in a yoga camp together. They showed how yoga is also a medium of empowerment. The people of Delhi linked yoga with the resolution of clean Yamuna and went to the Yamuna bank and did yoga. In Jammu and Kashmir, people also did yoga on Chenab Bridge, which is the world’s highest railway bridge. We have seen so many attractive pictures of ‘Yoga Day’ this time. Three lakh people did yoga together on the beach of Visakhapatnam. Another amazing scene came from Visakhapatnam itself, more than two thousand tribal students did 108 Surya Namaskars for 108 minutes. Think how much discipline and dedication there must have been.’
The PM further said, ‘My dear countrymen, when someone goes on a pilgrimage, the first feeling that comes to mind is, ‘Come, the call has come’. This feeling is the soul of our religious pilgrimages. These pilgrimages are a means of disciplining the body, purifying the mind, of mutual love and brotherhood, and connecting with God.
Apart from these, there is another big aspect of these pilgrimages. These religious pilgrimages are also a great ritual of opportunities for service. When any pilgrimage takes place, more people engage in the work of serving the pilgrims than the number of people who go on the pilgrimage. Just a few days ago, we also saw the Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath ji. Be it Odisha, Gujarat, or any other corner of the country, lakhs of devotees participate in this pilgrimage. From north to south, east to west, these pilgrimages are a reflection of the feeling of ‘Ek Bharat-Shrestha Bharat’. When we complete our religious pilgrimage with devotion, with full dedication and with full discipline, then we also get its fruits. I extend my best wishes to all the fortunate pilgrims going on the Yatra.
The holy month of Sawan is just a few days away’
Referring to the month of Sawan, the PM said that friends, after a long time, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has been started again. Kailash Mansarovar means the abode of Lord Shiva. In every tradition, be it Hindu, Buddhist or Jain, Kailash has been considered a center of faith and devotion. Friends, the holy Amarnath Yatra is going to start from 3 July and the holy month of Sawan is also just a few days away.
Referring to the report of the International Labor Organization, the PM said that friends, today most of the population in India is taking advantage of some social protection benefit and recently a very important report of the International Labor Organization (ILO) has come. It has been said in this report that more than 64% (sixty four percent) of the population of India is now getting some social protection benefit. Social security – This is one of the largest coverages in the world. Today, about 95 crore people of the country are getting some social security – this is one of the largest coverages in the world. Today, about 95 crore people of the country are getting the benefit of some social security scheme, whereas till 2015, government schemes were able to reach less than 25 crore people.
‘India has become Trachoma free’
Speaking further in the program, PM said, ‘Now India has become a Trachoma free country. This is the result of the hard work of those lakhs of people who fought this disease tirelessly and without stopping. This success is of our health workers. ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ also helped a lot in eradicating it. ‘Jal Jeevan Mission’ also contributed a lot to this success. Today, when clean water is reaching every home through tap, the risk of such diseases has reduced. ‘World Health Organization’ WHO has also praised the fact that India has not only dealt with the disease but also removed its root causes.
