The Modi government will observe International Yoga Day on 21st June and 192 countries are expected to participate in this event. The event in India, which involves a budget of over Rs. 30 crores ($4.5 million), is expected to see more than 35,000 people performing yoga at Rajpath along with millions of people from across the world also performing in their countries. Over 100 yoga training centres have been opened ahead of the function apart from over 560 centres in each district of the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, other government ministers and officials, as also foreign delegations are expected to be present for the event.
Yoga has been practiced by our parents and grandparents. Modi in his maiden address to the UN general assembly in September 2014 had made a passionate plea for observing the International Yoga Day, describing the ancient science as “India’s gift to the world”. Today, Yoga has become immensely popular in the western countries too. Modi had said that Yoga is not just about fitness or exercise; it is about changing one’s lifestyle. During his trip to the US Modi had explained about the benefits of Yoga to US President Barack Obama. He added that yoga will also help in addressing the climate change issues.
Baba Ramdev popularized yoga and as a result we see many men and women practicing some form of bending and breathing exercises in the parks, which was not visible ten years back. He held a preparatory session with a large number of his followers and children at the Jawahar Lal Nehru in Delhi. The rehearsal was attended by those who will participate in the main programme on International Yoga Day at Rajpath. Baba Ramdev also demonstrated a package of asanas that keeps people healthy and helps them lead a medicine-free life.
Recently, there was needless debate on practice of Yoga by the Muslims. They practice it in some way through “ namaz” but a mischievous twist was sought to be given by some Muslim leaders. Jogging and swimming are two other exercises very beneficial for health. Even today boys and girls have to walk a large number of distance from home to school in rural and semi urban areas. Till a few decades back, such morning walk was associated with our daily nature call in the fields and along river banks due to lack of toilets at home.
The average Indian’s state of health has deteriorated due to various factors like contaminated drinking water, air pollution and rising population. Shortage of food and milk are other reasons behind this. Besides Yoga, the government must give priority to food security, provide adequate and clean drinking water, collection, segregation and disposal of garbage, cleanliness of roads and surroundings. The production of pulses and fruits must increase but these commodities are becoming expensive day by day.