PM Modi to arrive in Kashmir on June 20

Srinagar, June 12:  Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Srinagar on June 20 and take part in the Yoga Day event on June 21.

PM Modi who endorses Yoga to be inculcated in day-to-day life has said it has united millions around the world in the pursuit of holistic wellbeing.

The official theme for International Yoga Day 2024 is ‘Yoga for Women Empowerment’.

The goal of Yoga Mahotsav 2024 is to propel Yoga into a widespread movement, with a special emphasis on promoting women’s well-being and advancing global health and peace.

The ministry has actively supported research on various health conditions affecting women like PCOS and PCOD and stress management, to prioritise women’s health regardless of their age or circumstances.

This initiative aims to promote women’s empowerment through evidence-based research.

Greater Kashmir has learned from reliable official sources that the event will be held in the scenic backyards of SKICC, overlooking the picturesque Dal Lake and Zabarwan Hills in Srinagar.

They said the PM will arrive in Kashmir on June 20.

“He will stay for the night and next morning participate in Yoga,” the sources said.

They said that this initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to promote Kashmir as a prime tourist destination and enhance engagement with the local populace.

Sources said that the Jammu and Kashmir administration, led by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, has been put on high alert to prepare for the PM’s visit.

The Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council has been directed to oversee the arrangements for the Yoga Day event.

“Preparations for the visit have begun. We have asked Yoga teams and instructors to prepare for the big event. We are on our toes,” official sources said.

They said that the J&K Sports Council has instructed its various sports wings to gather 3000 sportsmen to participate in the mega event.

Additionally, security teams have been making regular visits to SKICC to ensure comprehensive security arrangements are in place.

Last year, International Yoga Day was observed at the Botanical Garden in Srinagar, where LG Manoj Sinha and other top officials of J&K participated.

This year’s event, with the Prime Minister's participation, is expected to be a significantly larger affair, highlighting the government’s continued efforts to promote peace and normalcy in J&K.

Every year on June 21, people worldwide celebrate International Yoga Day to promote the numerous benefits of practising Yoga.

This day coincides with the summer solstice, which is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.

The purpose of this day is to raise awareness about the holistic advantages that Yoga offers for our wellbeing.

It emphasises the importance of finding balance in fast-paced lives and encourages harmony in our physical, mental, and spiritual aspects.

Yoga helps cultivate mindfulness, reduce stress, and enhance overall health and vitality.

Ahead of the International Day of Yoga on June 21, PM Modi on Tuesday called upon people to reiterate their commitment to making Yoga an integral part of their lives and also encourage others to do the same.

“In 10 days from now, the world will mark the 10th International Day of Yoga, celebrating a timeless practice that celebrates oneness and harmony,” he said on microblogging site X.

Sharing a set of videos showing various forms of Yoga and their benefits, PM Modi said, “As we approach this year's Yoga Day, it is essential to reiterate our commitment to making Yoga an integral part of our lives and also encouraging others to make it a part of theirs. Yoga offers a sanctuary of calm, enabling us to navigate life's challenges with calm and fortitude.”