Yoga a passport to health insurance: PM Modi

Emphasizing the significance of yoga, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the entire world wants peace not only from wars but also from stress and it could only be gained by practicing yoga.

"There is ample evidence that practicing yoga can help chronic conditions. It helps create a beautiful temper. That is why I call Yoga a passport to health insurance," Prime Minister Modi said while addressing gathering after unveiling the Shiva statue here.

Reinforcing the importance of yoga the Prime Minister said: "India has given the gift of yoga to the world and by practicing it a spirit of oneness is created."

He further said people should not look down upon yoga just because it is ancient and added that yoga is a journey from 'me' to 'we'.

"Rejecting an idea of yoga just because it is ancient,can be potentially harmful. Yoga is ancient, yet modern. Constant yet evolving," The Prime Minister added.

On the festival of Mahashivratri, Prime Minister Modi today unveiled a 112-foot tall bust of Adiyogi Shiva at the Isha Foundation at the foothills of Velliangiri mountains.

"Mahashivratri' symbolises a union of divinity with a purpose of overcoming darkness and injustice. I feel delighted to be a part of the Maha Shivratri celebrations," he said after unveiling the statue.