EDITORIALOn International Yoga Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be leading a special Yoga session along the banks of famed Dal Lake on Friday morning. International Yoga Day is observed annually on June 21st, promoting physical, mental, and spiritual well-being through yoga. It was first proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his speech at the United Nations General Assembly in 2014, during his first stint as Prime Minister of India, and since then, it is being celebrated worldwide. This year is the tenth anniversary of International Day of Yoga and its theme is ‘Yoga for self and society’.
After taking oath as the PM for third consecutive time, it would be Modi’s first visit to Jammu and Kashmir. Celebrating International Yoga Day in Srinagar, especially with PM Modi’s presence, highlights the significance of Yoga in promoting health and unity across India, including regions like Kashmir. It also underscores the government’s efforts to promote Yoga as a means of holistic well-being. Such events not only encourage participation in yoga but also symbolize the cultural and health benefits associated with this ancient practice. As per official sources, more than 7000 people are going to join PM Modi on the day at SKICC in Srinagar with J&K Lt Governor, Manoj Sinha insisting that PM has a special connection with Jammu and Kashmir which is the reason that he chose to celebrate the 10th International Yoga Day in Srinagar.
PM’s decision to lead a Yoga session in Srinagar is seen as significant by Kashmir watchers. Choosing Kashmir for celebrating this international event, Modi, on one hand, is emphasizing the idea of unity and integration and, on the hand, his decision seems to convey a sense of inclusivity.
While reports suggest that on the sidelines of the Yoga event, PM will be also interacting with students, sportspersons, start-up entrepreneurs and other people of success stories, the visit, is seen a strategic political move. By choosing to celebrate the event here, the PM is conveying to the people of Kashmir that the region remains his focus area and that he is always ready to directly engage with the people of Kashmir.
Kashmir, unfortunately, has been badly affected by conflict and political unrest for several decades. This has not only cost the people their lives and properties, it has added to the mental anxieties of the people and a large number of people here are facing depression and Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTDS). In this backdrop, promoting Yoga in the region will have a long term benefits of overall wellness and stress relief for the conflict effected people.
