In commemoration of the International Day of Yoga, Manoj Kumar, Chairman of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), unveiled the 'Khadi Yoga Mat' at the KVIC Headquarters in Mumbai. The launch event witnessed the presence of esteemed dignitaries and yoga enthusiasts who gathered to celebrate this auspicious occasion.
During his address, Manoj Kumar highlighted the remarkable strides made by the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan' (Self-Reliant India Campaign) under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The introduction of the 'Khadi Yoga Mat' is yet another testament to the campaign's success. He emphasized that this mat is a testament to India's indigenous capabilities and commitment to environmental sustainability. Its design enables practitioners to perform various Yogasanas (yoga exercises) with ease and comfort.
The Chairman also took the opportunity to release a margin money grant of approximately Rs. 25 crores to 237 beneficiaries from the Western Zone under the Prime Minister's Employment Generation Program (PMEGP) scheme. He extended his heartfelt congratulations to the KVIC officials and the countless Khadi artisans across rural areas for achieving a historic turnover of Rs. 1.34 lakh crores during the financial year 2022-23.
Prior to the official launch of the 'Khadi Yoga Mat,' Manoj Kumar led a yoga and pranayama session with KVIC officers and employees in a morning program. Addressing the gathering, he recalled the significant role played by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in proposing the celebration of International Yoga Day at the United Nations General Assembly in 2014. Within a mere three months, the proposal was accepted, and since June 21, 2015, the world has been observing International Yoga Day. Manoj Kumar remarked that India, under the inspiration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has now become a global Yoga Guru, disseminating the teachings of yoga to people worldwide.
The KVIC Chairman further highlighted the transformative impact of the Prime Minister's leadership, particularly in promoting the concepts of "Vocal for Local" and "Atmanirbhar Bharat." He proudly announced that KVIC's turnover had surpassed Rs. 1.34 lakh crores for the first time in the history of independent India. Additionally, the organization has generated 9,54,899 new employment opportunities in rural areas. He urged everyone to voice their support for the 'Khadi Yoga Mat' as a symbol of locally produced goods, emphasizing that only through being vocal for local can Indian products achieve global recognition.
Reaffirming KVIC's historical achievements, the Chairman emphasized that the Prime Minister's Employment Generation Program (PMEGP) has brought together the youth of the nation with the Swadeshi Abhiyaan (Indian-made Products Movement). This scheme empowers individuals to become job creators rather than job seekers, fulfilling their aspirations and contributing to the country's progress.
