PM Modi, who is on a three-day state visit to the US, led a historic yoga event at United Nations Headquarters in New York on Wednesday, June 21. The theme for this year is 'Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.'
PM Modi-led yoga event witnessed an overwhelming response from thousands of yoga enthusiasts from over 135 nationalities, setting a Guinness World Record.
After the historic event, PM Modi in a tweet called the session "incredible!" He said Yoga Day brought together yoga enthusiasts, setting a new world record. "This is Yoga's unifying power in action.'
PM Modi's yoga event saw the participation of some of the top personalities of America like Hollywood actor Richard Gere, prominent American singer Mary Millben, and New York Mayor Eric Adams.
In his speech at the event, PM Modi described Yoga as 'truly universal' and 'free from copyrights and patents'. 'Yoga comes from India and it is a very old tradition. Yoga is free from copyrights, patents, and royalty payments.'
PM Modi said like all ancient Indian traditions, yoga is also living and dynamic. "Yoga is adaptable to your age, gender, and fitness level. Yoga is portable and is truly universal," he said at the event that lasted for 45 minutes.
Addressing the event which was also attended by top UN officials and diplomats, PM Modi said: "Yoga is a way of life, a way to live in harmony with self, with others and with nature."
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in his video message on the occasion, said yoga unites body and mind, humanity and nature, and millions of people across the globe for whom it is a source of strength, harmony, and peace.
The UN chief further said that in a dangerous and divided world, the benefits of this ancient practice were particularly precious. 'Yoga offers a haven of calm, it can reduce anxiety and promote mental well-being. It helps us to develop discipline and patience.'