International Yoga Day: PM Modi politely says no to selfie

New Delhi: Even as India organised celebrations in 191 other nations, millions across the globe — from Sydney’s popular Bondi Beach to the banks of the Thames in London, and to the beaches of California — joined in the spectacular celebrations to mark the first International Day of Yoga, in tribute to the ancient Indian spiritual and exercise discipline known to balance the mind, body and spirit.

Yoga celebrations were held throughout India too, with events organised by state governments and functions led by Union ministers in various cities and towns. The armed forces participated with full vigour, from the snow-capped peaks in the north down to the high seas. Soldiers, sailors and airmen demonstrated their expertise at yoga, from the ice-capped Siachen Glacier, the world’s highest battlefield, to Indian warships in the South China Sea.

While the government had earlier said Mr Modi would not do yoga at Rajpath, the 64 year-old PM, an avid yoga practitioner for years, surprised everyone by performing several asanas - just like everyone else - on a mat, as he freely mingled with people. But he was firm in politely turning down requests of enthusiasts who sought “selfies” with him in the midst of the yoga session.

During the 35-minute-long yoga session, the participants practised about 21 asanas as part of the common yoga. In his speech, he said, “If we make yoga a commodity, then maximum damage to it will be done by us. Yoga is not a brand which has to be sold,” he said adding, “In a world of fear, yoga promises strength and courage. This is a state of mind.”