Bengaluru: Yoga has become a gateway for the world to discover India, its culture and traditional knowledge systems, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday, highlighting the growing international acceptance of yoga and its role in strengthening India’s global connections.
Addressing the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Prashanti Kutiram and birth centenary of RSS former Sarkaryavah HV Sheshadri in Bengaluru, Modi said the International Day of Yoga, observed across the world at India’s initiative, had helped take the country’s ancient practice to millions of people.
From Australia and Africa to America, large numbers of people now participate in Yoga Day events, while yoga has reached schools, institutions and workplaces in several countries.
“Today, I have had the opportunity to experience the extraordinary energy of yoga in Bengaluru.
Karnataka has been a centre of yoga for centuries. Several renowned yoga masters and scholars were born here and enriched this ancient tradition. We are all aware that the legendary Kannada film actor Dr Rajkumar. Karnataka has produced personalities who have contributed to yoga alongside their achievements in the world of art and culture,” he said.
He stated that against the backdrop of Karnataka’s rich legacy, Prashanti Kutiram’s journey of 50 years stands out as a remarkable story of service and dedication — a story that every Indian should know.
Recalling his interactions with foreign dignitaries and heads of state, Modi said yoga had become a frequent subject of discussion during official lunches and dinners. “Wherever I go in the world, it is rare to have lunch or dinner without a discussion on yoga,” he said.
He said several world leaders had spoken to him about their wives and daughters practising yoga, with some travelling to India to learn it. “I have to first explain that I am not a yoga expert, but a practitioner,” he said, recalling how such conversations often led to several questions about its benefits.
Citing Saudi Arabia as an example of yoga’s growing acceptance, Modi said the country had recognised it as a sporting activity and its Ministry of Sports had entered into an agreement with India’s Ministry of AYUSH to promote it.
He also referred to members of the Qatar royal family who were committed to yoga and said several foreign nationals had been honoured with the Padma Shri for their contributions to its promotion.
“The more the people of the world become familiar with yoga, the greater their curiosity to know India. A new attraction towards our culture and traditional knowledge develops,” he said, adding that this was opening new avenues of engagement between India and the world.
He said India had also recognised Yogasana as a competitive sport, giving it a place in events such as Khelo India and the National Games. This has opened up opportunities for yoga practitioners to participate in competitive sporting activities.
Modi said the government was making sustained efforts to promote Ayurveda alongside yoga. More than 150 Ayurveda training courses had been recognised in different countries, while India had signed memorandums of understanding with 28 countries to facilitate the expansion of Ayurveda.
Referring to the establishment of a separate Ministry of AYUSH, he said the government had encouraged research in Ayurveda and Ayurveda-based patents. Exports of AYUSH and herbal products were increasing, while the National Turmeric Board had been established to strengthen turmeric production, quality and exports.
He also referred to the introduction of the e-Ayush Visa facility to facilitate medical travel to India and the establishment of the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in Jamnagar to promote research and international cooperation in traditional healthcare systems.
Describing Prashanti Kutiram as an important centre for yoga education, scientific research and healthcare, Modi appreciated its efforts to integrate yoga with Ayurveda, naturopathy and modern medical science. He said its research on stress-related challenges and lifestyle diseases had contributed to the wider acceptance of holistic healthcare.
The Prime Minister urged the institution to prepare a roadmap for the next 25 years, keeping in mind India’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047. He said Prashanti Kutiram should set new goals and align its future activities with the Viksit Bharat vision.
Referring to Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana Chairman Dr HR Nagendra’s youthful energy should be put to use for the benefit of the institution and the country.
Modi also recalled the contribution of RSS leader HV Seshadri. Describing him as a person of simplicity and humility, he said Seshadri had devoted his life to the mission of nation-building through individual development. His emphasis on selfless service and preparing dedicated citizens continued to inspire people.
Recalling Swami Vivekananda’s contribution to India’s spiritual awakening, Modi said the inspiration drawn from such spiritual leaders had helped institutions like Prashanti Kutiram take yoga to the masses and promote scientific research into its benefits.
Calling for healthy lifestyles to become a priority for every household, Modi said yoga could help people overcome diseases as well as excessive attachment to material pleasures. “Yoga can become one of the biggest sources of healthcare at virtually zero cost,” he said.
Referring to a recent World Bank report, he said nearly 50 crore Indians had come out of extreme poverty over the past 12 to 13 years. The improvement in living conditions had created new opportunities for families to focus on health and well-being, he added.
Modi congratulated Prashanti Kutiram on completing 50 years and called upon it to dedicate itself to the country’s development goals over the next 25 years.
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