Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the world respects and adores India, and this was seen when a record 177 out of 193 nations co-sponsored a proposal at the United Nations to observe and celebrate and International Yoga Day every year.
"The United Nation celebrates many international days like Children's Day; I had suggested why shouldn't we celebrate International Yoga Divas at the United Nations. I put forth the idea of a Yoga Day in the UN and 177 countries out of 193 were keen on co-sponsoring it. This is a record that has been broken," Prime Minister Modi told the gathering at the 13th Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas held here at Mahatma Mandir complex.
He further noted that this proposal was co-sponsored significantly by atleast 40 Islamic states.
" 177 countries supported my proposal as co sponsors, including around 40 Muslim countries. Such proposals take atleast two years, but this one took hardly 100 days. This is just a small example how the world adores India," he added.
Earlier, he also launched the 'Dandi Kutir', a unique exhibition depicting various stages of Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi's life and work.
The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas has already been addressed by several cabinet ministers, including Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Science and Technology Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan and Minister of State for Overseas Indian Affairs General (Retired) V.K. Singh.
Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari will present the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman awards tomorrow.