Yoga, a free life insurance which everyone should avail, says PM Modi in Lucknow

Lucknow: Saying that Yoga not only enlightens the body but also the soul, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday, described yoga as a free life insurance, which everyone can avail to better their health.

Speaking at the third edition of the International Yoga Day here, Modi pointed out how the UN had accepted his proposal in record time to celebrate June 21 as the International Yoga Day.

PM Modi arrived at the Ramabai Ambedkar Sthal in the state capital for the International Yoga Day event and people flocked to the venue despite heavy showers.

Owing to heavy rains and water logging at the venue, Modi jokingly told the large gathering -- where people used the yoga mats to shield themselves -- that he had now learnt the benefits of the yoga mat as well.

What else PM Modi said?

- From Lucknow I convey my greetings to all those joining the International Yoga Day 2017 celebrations all over India.

- Today, Yoga has become a part of so many lives. Yoga's popularity outside India is high & has connected the world with India.

- No one in the world was questioning the benefits of yoga.

- I am glad to see several Yoga institutes take shape over the last three years.

- Demand for Yoga teachers is increasing in India.

- In addition to fitness, wellness is important. Yoga is a medium to achieve wellness.

- I urge everyone to make Yoga a part of their lives.

- Yoga is about health assurance. It is not even expensive to practice.

- We may not master yoga or become teachers but we should not stop from doing yoga.

What the Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said?

- Yoga is a way of life and helps to unite people.

- Yoga is an ancient Indian practice and all ancient scriptures including the Vedas have accepted the importance of yoga.

The wet beginning to the day did not deter enthusiasts in Lucknow. Thousands could be seen going about the venues, clutching umbrellas or wrapped in raincoats.

People have been making it to the venue since Tuesday night in anticipation of getting a vantage place at the sprawling Sthal.

Many raised 'Vande Mataram' slogans as they entered through the gates. The programme started at 6.45 a.m.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxPKxF0kVBk

Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik, Chief Minster Yogi Adityanath and Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Dinesh Sharma are also scheduled to take part in the event.

Organisers said they were hopeful the skies would clear before the event starts. "Even if it doesn't, we are sure the rains will not deter people from the yoga day celebrations," said one official.