This event will mark PM Modi's first visit to the region since his re-election for a third term. Approximately 3,000 to 4,000 attendees, including students, officials, and yoga enthusiasts, are expected to participate in the event.
Promoting Yoga Globally:
The United Nations General Assembly, responding to PM Modi's proposal, declared June 21 as the International Day of Yoga in 2014. Since then, PM Modi has been instrumental in popularizing yoga globally. He has previously led IDY celebrations at notable locations such as Delhi’s Kartavya Path, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Ranchi, Jabalpur, and the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
Theme for 2024: ‘Yoga for Self and Society’
This year's theme, ‘Yoga for Self and Society,’ emphasizes the dual benefits of yoga for both individual health and community well-being. PM Modi has been promoting this theme through his social media, sharing various yoga postures and their benefits.
Preparations and Security Measures in Srinagar:
The administration in Srinagar, under the leadership of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, has made extensive preparations for the event. A multi-layer security system will be in place, and the city has been designated a ‘temporary red zone’ with restrictions on drone operations to ensure safety.
Grassroots Engagement:
Union Minister of State for Ayush, Prataprao Jadhav, has highlighted PM Modi’s initiative to encourage grassroots participation in yoga. The Prime Minister has contacted Gram Pradhans, urging the spread of yoga in rural areas.
Broader Initiatives and Records:
The Ministry of Ayush has launched several initiatives to make yoga more inclusive and accessible, such as the ‘Common Yoga Protocol Book in Braille’. This year, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will celebrate IDY with the unique initiative ‘Yoga for Space.’ A conference regarding this initiative was held at the S-Vyasa University in Bangalore.
A Growing Global Movement
Since its inception, International Day of Yoga has seen increasing global participation. Last year, approximately 23.4 crore people worldwide engaged in yoga activities. The IDY 2024 promises to further expand the reach and impact of yoga, fostering greater unity and wellness across the world.
