Bengaluru: Remembering the Kannada matinee idol Dr Rajkumar not just for his contribution to cinema but also for his dedication to Yoga, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday invoked the thespian’s lesser-known association with the ancient discipline while highlighting Karnataka’s rich Yoga heritage. PM Modi recalled that Dr Rajkumar was a dedicated Yoga practitioner who had served the cause of Yoga as much as he had contributed to the world of art.Addressing the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Prashanti Kutiram, the headquarters of Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana (S-VYASA), on the outskirts of Bengaluru, PM Modi said Karnataka had been a centre of Yoga for centuries and had produced several eminent teachers, scholars and practitioners who had enriched the ancient tradition. “We all know that legendary Kannada cinema actor Dr Rajkumar was also a dedicated Yoga practitioner. Karnataka has witnessed several such personalities who have contributed to both the world of art and the practice of Yoga,” Prime Minister said, recalling the actor’s contribution while underscoring how the discipline had transcended traditional boundaries to become part of Karnataka’s cultural legacy.PM Modi’s reference to Dr Rajkumar came as he spoke about India’s growing global influence in Yoga and traditional medicine, asserting that the Centre’s efforts to promote the country’s ancient knowledge systems through scientific research, institutional support and international collaboration were yielding encouraging results. He said India had, over the past 12 years, showcased its cultural identity, traditional knowledge and scientific heritage to the world with renewed confidence.Recalling the global recognition of Yoga, PM Modi said the International Day of Yoga had evolved into an international movement following India’s initiative, with millions of people across continents participating in celebrations. Yoga had also found acceptance in educational institutions, workplaces and public spaces across the world, strengthening India’s cultural connect with other nations.Highlighting govt’s efforts to take Yoga beyond wellness and establish it as a competitive discipline, Modi said Yogasana had been officially recognised as a competitive sport and included in major sporting platforms such as Khelo India and the National Games, opening up new opportunities for practitioners to pursue the discipline professionally.Prime Minister also highlighted the growing international acceptance of Ayurveda and traditional Indian medicine, pointing to govt’s efforts to strengthen research, innovation and global cooperation through the Ministry of AYUSH. More than 150 Ayurveda training courses have received recognition in different countries, while India has signed memorandums of understanding with 28 countries to facilitate the expansion of Ayurveda, he said.PM Modi also highlighted the establishment of the National Turmeric Board to strengthen turmeric production, improve quality and boost exports, noting that traditional Indian products were witnessing growing international demand. Emphasising the need to integrate ancient knowledge with modern scientific research, he pointed to the establishment of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat, and the introduction of the e-AYUSH Visa facility to facilitate travel for international patients seeking traditional Indian treatments.Praising Prashanti Kutiram for its contribution to Yoga education, research and holistic healthcare, Modi said institutions such as S-VYASA had helped integrate Yoga, Ayurveda, naturopathy and modern medicine while training practitioners, teachers and researchers to serve across the world.
