June 23, 2023
Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji,
The President of the General Assembly,
The Deputy Secretary General,
The Mayor of New York City,
Distinguished Ambassador Friends,
Dear Colleagues and Friends from this wonderful audience!
Todays celebration is indeed very special!
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead us in doing yoga at the UN lawns! To put matters in perspective, it was under his leadership and guidance that 21 June was declared as yoga day and it is only fitting therefore that the inspiration behind the idea is with us today in this scenic multicultural setting of the United Nations.
9 years on. It is truly beautiful to see so many around the world gather in solidarity for yoga. It is not living with the burden of weight or the lightness of oblivion, it is a choice made with balance. An idiosyncratic beauty, timeless throughout the progress of humanity, Yoga has endured. It is truth beyond articulation, wisdom beyond time.
I hope all of you will cherish 21 June this year, and hold it close to your hearts, today and forever.
Thank you!
