Modi: In Covid times, world’s feeling need for yoga more

NEW DELHI: PM Narendra Modi on Sunday said yoga had emerged as a force for unity and it did not discriminate as it went beyond race, colour, gender, faith and nations.
In his message on the sixth International Day of Yoga, Modi said due to the coronavirus pandemic, the world was feeling the need for yoga more than ever. “If our immunity is strong, it is of great help in defeating this disease. For boosting immunity, there are several techniques in yoga, various asanas are there,” he added.
The PM said Covid-19 specifically attacked respiratory systems which could be strengthened by doing ‘pranayama’ or breathing exercise. “Yoga enhances our quest for a healthier planet. It has emerged as a force for unity and deepens the bonds of humanity. It does not discriminate. It goes beyond race, colour, gender, faith and nations. Anybody can embrace yoga,” he said. “If we can finetune our chords of health and hope, the day is not far when the world will witness the success of a healthy and happy humanity. Yoga can definitely help us make this happen,” he said in a message telecast on Sunday morning. He added that doing work and performing duties properly was also yoga.
Modi said the huge participation of people in ‘My Life - My Yoga’ video blogging competition from across the globe reflected the growing popularity of yoga.
“Today, all of us should stay away from gatherings and practise yoga at home with our families. This year’s theme is ‘Yoga at Home and Yoga with Family’. Yoga promotes family bonding as children, youngsters, elders in the family come together to practise yoga, there is a flow of positive energy in the home. Yoga also promotes emotional stability,” he said.