International Yoga Day at the United Nations; Indian Prime Minister Calls for 'One Earth, One Family, One Future'

Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India, led the celebration of 'International Yoga Day' at the United Nations in New York on Wednesday. He urged people to 'come together to achieve the goal: one earth, one family, one future.' The United Nations declared June 21 as 'International Yoga Day' in 2014, an idea proposed by Modi. According to Reuters, Modi addressed a gathering of yoga enthusiasts sitting on yellow mats on the lawns of the UN headquarters by the 'East River' in New York, saying, 'Let us use the power of yoga, not only for health and happiness but for kindness to ourselves and each other.' The event of International Yoga Day was attended by Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India, in the courtyard of the UN headquarters in New York - June 21, 2023. He further added, 'Let us use the power of yoga to build bridges of friendship, a peaceful world, and a cleaner, greener, and sustainable future.' Modi is currently in the United States for talks with President Joe Biden, which the White House sees as a way to strengthen 'one of the defining partnerships of our era.' Since becoming Prime Minister in 2014, Modi has visited the United States five times, but this trip is his first official visit with full diplomatic status. Modi paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, the hero of India's independence, at the UN before taking the stage to speak. Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, in a video message on International Yoga Day, expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for all he has done to promote the understanding of yoga and its many benefits. Modi, who traveled from New York to Washington with Joe Biden on Wednesday evening, is scheduled to attend a state dinner at the White House on Thursday night after the conclusion of the negotiations.