PM Modi to Lead International Yoga Day Celebrations in Srinagar

By I Jun 19, 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to lead the International Yoga Day celebrations in Srinagar on June 21, marking his first visit to Jammu and Kashmir since his third term in office. The event will be held at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) on the banks of Dal Lake.

Key Takeaways

PM Modi will lead the International Yoga Day event in Srinagar on June 21.
The event will be held at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC).
The theme for this year is 'Yoga for Self and Society'.
Srinagar has been declared a 'temporary red zone' for drone operations.
Multi-layer security arrangements have been put in place.

Preparations and Security Measures

In preparation for the event, the Jammu and Kashmir Police have declared Srinagar a 'temporary red zone' under the Drone Rules, 2021. This means that any drone or quadcopter operations in the area will require special permission. The city has also seen a significant increase in security measures, including a multi-layer security ring around the venue and sealed roads leading to the SKICC.

The sanitization operation at the SKICC has been completed, and background security checks of all officials, security personnel, and sportspersons attending the event have been conducted. The participants for the event have been shortlisted and trained in various yoga asanas expected to be performed by the Prime Minister.

Early Celebrations and Community Involvement

Ahead of the main event, several yoga sessions have already been held across the Kashmir valley. Notable locations include the iconic clock tower at Lal Chowk and various other spots in the city and valley. These events saw participation from students, officers, and sports enthusiasts, highlighting the community's enthusiasm for yoga.

Union Minister of State for Ayush, Prataprao Jadhav, announced that the theme for this year's International Yoga Day is 'Yoga for Self and Society'. This theme underscores yoga's dual role in fostering individual well-being and societal harmony. The Prime Minister has also written to gram pradhans, encouraging grassroots participation and the spread of yoga in rural areas.

Historical Context and Global Impact

The United Nations General Assembly declared June 21 as International Day of Yoga in December 2014, following a proposal by Prime Minister Modi. Since its inception in 2015, the day has been celebrated globally, with PM Modi leading events at various iconic locations, including Delhi, Chandigarh, Dehradun, and even the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

In the run-up to this year's event, PM Modi has been sharing videos on his social media accounts, demonstrating various yoga asanas and spreading awareness about the benefits of yoga. The International Day of Yoga has set multiple Guinness World Records, including the participation of 35,985 people in a single yoga session in 2015.

Conclusion

The International Yoga Day event in Srinagar promises to be a significant occasion, not just for the region but for the entire country. With extensive preparations and high community involvement, the event aims to highlight the importance of yoga in promoting both individual and societal well-being.