Bengaluru: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday highlighted 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.Addressing the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Prashanti Kutiram, the headquarters of Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana (S-VYASA), on the outskirts of Bengaluru, the PM 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 has become an international movement following India’s initiative, with millions of people across continents participating in celebrations. Yoga has also found acceptance in educational institutions, workplaces and public spaces across the world, strengthening India’s cultural connect with other nations.”Highlighting the government’s efforts to take Yoga beyond wellness and establish it as a competitive discipline, Modi said, “Yogasana has been officially recognised as a competitive sport and included in major sporting platforms such as Khelo India and the National Games. This has opened up new opportunities for Yoga practitioners to participate in competitive tournaments and pursue the discipline professionally.”The Prime Minister also highlighted the growing international acceptance of Ayurveda and traditional Indian medicine, pointing to the government’s efforts to strengthen research, innovation and global cooperation through the Ministry of AYUSH. He said more than 150 Ayurveda training courses had received recognition in different countries, while India had signed memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with 28 countries to facilitate the expansion of Ayurveda.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, the PM 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.Expressing his delight at witnessing Bengaluru’s vibrant Yoga culture, Modi said Karnataka had been a centre of Yoga for centuries and had produced several eminent teachers and scholars who had enriched the ancient tradition. He also recalled the contribution of legendary Kannada film actor Dr Rajkumar, noting that the state had practitioners who had made significant contributions to both the world of art and Yoga.
