NEW DELHI - Amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi used a virtual platform on Sunday to address the nation on the sixth International Day of Yoga, which is usually celebrated with a mass event in the country.
"This year, the theme of 'Yoga at Home and Yoga with Family' has been decided. While keeping ourselves away from group activities, we need to do yoga at home with the family," he said.
Modi also said that due to concerns about COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the virus, the world is taking yoga seriously and benefiting from it.
"COVID-19 attacks our respiratory system. What makes our respiratory system stronger is Pranayama, which is a breathing exercise. We should make this a part of our daily routine," he said.
In the last 24 hours, the country confirmed 15,413 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total number to 410,461 with 13,254 deaths, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
In concluding his address, Modi suggested that yoga enhances "our quest for a healthier planet," adding that "it has emerged as a force of unity and deepens the bonds of humanity. It goes beyond race, color, gender, faith and nations. Anybody can embrace yoga," he said.
On Dec. 11, 2014, the U.N. General Assembly proclaimed June 21, the day of the summer solstice, as International Day of Yoga, and invited all members to observe it.
The resolution, which was based on Modi's proposal, recognized the benefits of practicing yoga as providing "a holistic approach to health and well-being," and urged wider dissemination of information about it, saying it "would be beneficial for the health of the world population."
Since 2015, the country has been observing the day annually on June 21. Last year's event drew roughly 40,000 participants in India's eastern city of Ranchi.
Kyodo News
