The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah on Sunday thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for getting recognition for yoga at the international level, adding that the latter had made the country proud.
"I am sure that yoga, which connects mind, body and soul of a human being, will also connect the entire world. At a time when civilizations are competing with each other, our concept of 'Vasudevaya Kutumbakam' (world is one family) and yoga will bring people closer. On this occasion, I would like to thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi for making the symbol of our culture, yoga, recognised by the entire world. He has made our country proud," Shah said while addressing those gathered for the International Yoga Day celebrations here.
"Prime Minister Narendra Modi got recognition for yoga at the United Nations in just one year. The whole world has now accepted an ancient legacy of our culture. I pray to god that it grants goodness to theentire world," he added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived at Rajpath to kick-start theInternational Yoga Day celebrations in Delhi.
The Prime Minster will shortly give an introductory speech, before participating in the 35-minute demonstration of yogic postures. It is expected that over 40,000 people are expected to participate.
Besides, about two billion people across the globe are expected to participate in the inaugural day of the event.
The yoga celebrations are being organised after the United Nations had in December last year declared June 21 as International Yoga Day, with 177 countries voting in favour.
The proposal was mentioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his address to the UN General Assembly last year.