Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the 10th International Yoga Day celebrations from Jammu and Kashmir this morning, drawing significant national and international attention.
The event, held at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Complex on the banks of Srinagar’s Dal Lake, carried this year’s theme, “Yoga for Self and Society,” emphasizing yoga’s role in promoting individual well-being and social harmony.
योग केवल एक विधा नहीं, बल्कि विज्ञान भी है और यह समाज में सकारात्मक बदलाव के नए रास्ते बना रहा है। pic.twitter.com/tRWKGUi2Jn
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 21, 2024
The International Yoga Day celebrations faced weather challenges as the Kashmir Valley experienced moderate to heavy rain, including the area around Dal Lake. Due to the inclement weather, PM Modi performed various yoga asanas indoors with a reduced number of guests. Originally scheduled to begin at 7 am, the 30-minute International Yoga Day session was delayed because of the rain. Notable attendees included Lt Governor Manoj Sinha and Ayush Minister Prataprao Ganpatrao Jadhav.
Over the years, PM Modi has led International Yoga Day events at various iconic locations such as Delhi’s Kartavya Path, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Ranchi, and Jabalpur. Last year, he led the celebrations at the UN Headquarters in New York, further elevating the profile of this year’s event in Srinagar.
Extensive security cover for International Yoga Day
The region of Jammu and Kashmir has been in the news for its high voter turnout in the recent general election and subsequent terrorist attacks, including a tragic incident in Reasi district that resulted in the deaths of 10 pilgrims.
Extensive security measures were implemented in and around Srinagar, with the Special Protection Group (SPG) conducting mock drills on all routes to the SKICC. The venue was secured two days in advance of the Prime Minister’s visit.
In addition to the SPG, navy commandos from the Marine Commandos (MARCOS) were stationed around the SKICC, and deep combing operations were carried out regularly at Dal Lake.
‘No Drone Zone’
The area was designated a “No-drone zone.” As a special initiative, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) organized ‘Yoga for Space’ to mark International Yoga Day 2024, with scientists and officials performing yoga as per the Common Yoga Protocol guidelines. The team from the Gaganyaan project also participated in the global International Yoga Day campaign, practicing yoga to celebrate the occasion.
This event marks PM Modi’s first visit to the state since being re-elected for a historic third term. At a youth event on Thursday evening at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Complex, he expressed optimism about the forthcoming assembly polls and the restoration of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir, stating these were “not far off.”
