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Yoga becoming part of everyday life in India, says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi practicing Yoga in Lucknow's Ambedkar Maidan on the occasion of third International Yoga Day on June 21, 2017.

Srinagar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that spread of Yoga around the world has led to a gradual “standardization” of the practice.

“Earlier Yoga was practiced by people in their own way but now it is being gradually standardized,” he said.

PM Modi was addressing people gathered at Lucknow’s Ambedkar Maidan on the occasion of third International Yoga Day where he also counted the benefits of the ancient practice.

“There was a time when Yoga was only practiced by sages in the Himalyas but now it has become a part of everyday life of people,” he added.

The PM also said that the practice has helped in bringing the whole world together.

Before PM Modi addressed the gathering, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also gave a speech.

“It is not important to perform yoga for 24 hours. 50 or 60 minutes (is fine) because it lends harmony to the body, mind and intellect. If 1.25 billion Indians and people around the world can attain this state of well-being, then humankind can also tide over problems born out of human thoughts. Just as the importance of salt is not only to lend taste to food, but also ensure well-being of the body, similarly Yoga can have the same importance as salt has in life,” the PM said.

“Many countries which do not know our language, tradition, or culture, are now connecting to India through Yoga. The practice, which connects body, mind and soul, has played a big role in binding the world too,” he said.

Just as the importance of salt is not only to lend taste to food, but also ensure well-being of the body, similarly Yoga can have the same importance as salt has in life,” he said.

He said yoga is about health assurance. “It is not even expensive to practice,” he said.

“I urge everyone to make yoga a part of their lives,” he said, adding that he was glad to see several yoga institutes take shape over the last three years.

After delivering the address, the PM performed Yoga with 50,000 people gathered at Ramabai Amdedkar grounds.

The Yoga day is being celebrated in different parts of India and around the world.

In Gujarat’s Ahmedabad, BJP President Amit Shah and Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev, performed Yoga with people.

The day is also being celebrated in New Delhi.

Thousands gathered at Connaught Place to practice Yoga.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Lt Governor Anil Baijal are present at the venue.

Tight security arrangements were made in Delhi and across India at different venues in view of the grand assemblies.

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