Modi seeks support to make yoga a mass movement

Ahead of the June 21 International Yoga Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged all ministries to make yoga a mass movement for better physical and mental well-being of the people.

The main function will be held in Chandigarh, unlike last year when it was held on the Rajpath here that saw the participation of over 35,000 people from 86 countries.

"The International Yoga Day is not simply an event. It is a way of making yoga an integral part of our lives. It is a means of popularising yoga among the masses, across social strata, in different age groups so that we can enhance our mental and physical well-being. It is towards this end that I solicit your support," Modi said in his letter to all the ministries.

Modi said apart from the yoga event at Chandigarh, the Centre aims to organise similar functions at the state, district, block and panchayat levels. All states have been requested to plan their activities in tandem with the national efforts in this regard.

He urged all state governments to use locally-made yoga mats for the functions to be held on International Yoga Day so as to promote local artisans and small entrepreneurs.

"All our efforts should be made to make it a people's programme by highlighting the benefits of yoga," Modi said.

--IANS

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