Bengaluru, Nov 13: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday highlighted India’s growing global influence in Yoga, Ayurveda and traditional medicine while addressing the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Prashanti Kutiram in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
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The Prime Minister said India had gained renewed confidence in presenting its cultural heritage, traditional knowledge and scientific contributions to the world over the past 12 years. He credited the country’s efforts for the growing international recognition of Yoga and the worldwide celebration of the International Day of Yoga.
The event also coincided with the birth centenary of revered H. V. Sheshadri, whom Modi remembered for dedicating his life to the ideal of nation-building through character-building.
Congratulating the S-VYASA family and the thousands of practitioners associated with Prashanti Kutiram, the Prime Minister described the institution’s 50-year journey as an inspiring example of service and commitment. He noted that it had grown from a modest Yoga centre into a major movement promoting holistic health and wellness.
Modi Pays Tribute to H. V. Sheshadri
Paying homage to H. V. Sheshadri, Modi said he believed that a nation’s progress depended on developing disciplined, capable and dedicated citizens.
Recalling his personal association with Sheshadri, the Prime Minister spoke about his simplicity, humility and commitment to social service. He highlighted Sheshadri’s teaching that serving society selflessly ultimately brings back support and blessings from countless people.
Modi also praised Dr. H. R. Nagendra and Dr. R. Nagarathna for continuing Sheshadri’s mission through their work.
Yoga Gains Global Recognition and Sporting Status
Highlighting Yoga’s international growth, the Prime Minister said millions of people across continents now participate in International Day of Yoga celebrations. Yoga has also found acceptance in schools, educational institutions and workplaces across the world.
He recalled the contribution of spiritual leaders such as Swami Vivekananda in taking India’s Yoga tradition to younger generations and inspiring institutions such as Prashanti Kutiram and S-VYASA.
According to Modi, these institutions have played an important role in connecting people with Yoga while promoting scientific research, training practitioners and developing professionals, including teachers, doctors and philosophers.
He particularly appreciated research undertaken by Prashanti Kutiram on stress management and lifestyle-related diseases, saying such work had benefited people beyond India.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the recognition of Yogasana as a competitive sport in India. Its inclusion in Khelo India and the National Games, he said, has created new opportunities for Yoga practitioners to participate in organised sporting competitions.
He further noted that Saudi Arabia had recognised Yoga as a sporting activity and that its Sports Ministry had signed an agreement with India’s Ministry of AYUSH to promote cooperation in the field.
Ayurveda and AYUSH Sector Expanding Internationally
Modi said India’s efforts to promote traditional medicine had also strengthened the global reach of Ayurveda. More than 150 Ayurveda training courses have reportedly received recognition in different countries, while India has signed memorandums of understanding with 28 nations to facilitate cooperation in the sector.
He said the government had encouraged research and patent development related to Ayurveda, contributing to the expansion of the AYUSH economy. Exports of AYUSH and herbal products have also been increasing, reflecting growing international demand.
The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of turmeric, a traditional ingredient widely used in Indian households, and pointed to the establishment of the National Turmeric Board to strengthen its production, quality and export potential.
He also referred to the e-AYUSH Visa facility, introduced to make it easier for international visitors seeking traditional Indian medical services to travel to the country.
The establishment of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar was another important step, he said, aimed at promoting research and international cooperation in traditional medicine.
Prashanti Kutiram Urged to Set New Goals
Emphasising the role of Yoga and holistic healthcare in India’s development journey, Modi said the country’s progress should be accompanied by better health and well-being for its people.
Referring to a recent World Bank report, he said nearly 50 crore Indians had moved out of extreme poverty over the past 12 to 13 years, creating new opportunities for families to focus on health and quality of life.
The Prime Minister urged Prashanti Kutiram to prepare a roadmap for its next phase of growth and set new goals that would benefit both the institution and the country.
He also extended his greetings to the S-VYASA community and congratulated everyone associated with the institution on completing 50 years of service.
