Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday lauded the Andhra Pradesh government’s ‘YogAndhraAbhiyan’ initiative to promote yoga culture in the state. He also shared that he will participate in the International Yoga Day program in Visakhapatnam on June 21.
Speaking during the 122nd edition of Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi said, “The government of Andhra Pradesh has launched #YogAndhraAbhiyan. Its objective is to cultivate a strong yoga culture throughout the state. Under this campaign, a pool of 10 lakh people practicing yoga is being created. I will have the opportunity to participate in the Yoga Day program in Visakhapatnam this year.”
Ahead of International Yoga Day on June 21, PM Modi encouraged people to begin practicing yoga, saying it could transform their lives.
“Less than a month remains for International Yoga Day. This occasion reminds us that if you haven’t started practicing yoga yet, now is the time to begin. Yoga can transform the way you live your life,” he said.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the growing global influence of yoga.
“Since the inception of Yoga Day on June 21, 2015, interest in it has been steadily increasing. This year, too, we are witnessing excitement and enthusiasm for Yoga Day across the globe. Various organisations are sharing their preparations. Images from previous years have been deeply inspiring—we’ve seen people in different countries forming Yoga Chains and Yoga Rings,” PM Modi noted.
He also spoke about a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Ministry of Ayush and the World Health Organization (WHO) to develop traditional medicine intervention categories and an index for the International Classification of Health Interventions (ICHI).
“Along with Yoga Day, something significant has happened in the field of #Ayurveda as well, which you’ll be happy to know. Just yesterday, i.e., on May 24, an MoU was signed in the presence of WHO Director-General and my friend Tulsi Bhai (Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus),” PM Modi said.
He highlighted that this initiative would scientifically expand the global reach of traditional medicines.
“With this agreement, work has commenced on a dedicated traditional medicine module under the International Classification of Health Interventions. This initiative will help AYUSH reach a wider global audience in a scientific manner,” he added.
According to the Ministry of Ayush, the MoU was signed in Geneva, Switzerland, with a holistic approach and a focus on traditional medical systems like Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani.
ANI