PM Modi Sets Guinness World Record

PM Modi made history on Wednesday at the United Nations headquarters in New York by organizing the largest-ever Yoga session, earning a Guinness World Record. The event, held in celebration of International Yoga Day, attracted participants from at least 135 countries, including prominent figures like American actor Richard Gere and New York City mayor Eric Adams. While the event aimed to promote peace, health, and unity, it also drew criticism, as some viewed Modi’s emphasis on yoga as a distraction from his government’s human rights record and alleged promotion of Hindu nationalism. Let’s delve deeper into the event and its significance.

The Global Yoga Day Celebration:

PM Modi, on his way to Washington for a state visit with President Joe Biden, took the opportunity to showcase his yoga skills alongside diplomats, policymakers, members of the Indian American community, and U.N. representatives on the North Lawn Area outside the United Nations. Against a backdrop of yellow mats, participants engaged in a series of yoga poses, guided by expert instructors.

The Importance of International Yoga Day:

Modi’s involvement in yoga goes beyond the annual celebration at the United Nations. In 2014, shortly after becoming India’s leader, he successfully lobbied for the U.N. to adopt a resolution declaring June 21 as the International Day of Yoga. This global observance aims to raise awareness about the benefits of yoga for physical and mental well-being. It emphasizes yoga’s universality and adaptability, making it accessible to people of all ages, genders, and fitness levels.

A Symbol of Indian Heritage and Culture:

The Yoga Day event also served as an opportunity to showcase India’s rich heritage and culture. Large video screens displayed images depicting various aspects of Indian traditions and customs. Furthermore, Modi paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, a prominent advocate for non-violent resistance, by placing flowers on a bust of the revered leader. The bust, a gift from India, symbolizes the enduring influence of Gandhi’s teachings on peace and harmony.

Modi’s Message of Unity and Kindness:

In his address to the participants, Modi emphasized the broader significance of yoga beyond physical exercise. He urged everyone to harness the power of yoga to foster kindness, both towards oneself and others. Modi envisioned yoga as a means to build bridges of friendship and promote a cleaner, greener, and sustainable future. He encouraged attendees to translate the spirit and emotions experienced during yoga practice into actions that challenge issues such as war, gender oppression, violence, lack of clean water, and food insecurity.

Controversy and Criticism:

While Modi’s efforts to promote yoga and its benefits have gained global recognition, he has faced criticism from detractors who accuse him of using yoga as a diversionary tactic. They argue that his focus on yoga aims to distract attention from his government’s alleged human rights violations and promotion of Hindu nationalism. Critics point to the mistreatment of minority groups in India, particularly Muslims, as evidence contradicting Modi’s projected image of piety and inner peace.

The Intersection of Yoga and Politics:

Modi’s visit to Washington, which followed the Yoga Day event, focused on addressing crucial geopolitical matters such as China, arms trade, Ukraine, and bilateral trade relations. While he sought to convey a message of peace and unity through yoga, simultaneous developments in the U.S. Defense Department’s release of a fact sheet on the “India-U.S. Defense Acceleration Ecosystem” highlighted the significance of defense cooperation between the two countries.

Conclusion:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic Yoga Day event at the United Nations not only earned a Guinness World Record for its global participation but also sparked controversy. While supporters lauded the event’s objective of promoting peace, health, and unity, critics accused Modi of using yoga to deflect attention from alleged human rights violations and a Hindu nationalist agenda. As the world embraces the benefits of yoga, it remains crucial to maintain a balanced perspective, acknowledging both its potential impact and the political context in which it is promoted.