Yoga has shown the entire world the path to health, balance, and harmony: Prime Minister

The second World Conference on traditional medicine of the World Health Organization (WHO) concluded on Friday with the address of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The three-day international conference, held at the Bharat Mandapam in the national capital Delhi, saw in-depth and meaningful discussions among traditional medicine experts, scientists, policymakers, and representatives of the medical field from around the world. WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus, Union Health Minister J P Nadda, and Union Minister of Ayush Sarbananda Sonowal were also present on the occasion.

Prime Minister Modi, in his address, said he was happy that India was emerging as a strong and reliable platform for the world in the field of traditional medicine. He thanked the WHO, the Ministry of Ayush, and all participants for the successful organization. He said it was a matter of pride for India that the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine was established in the city of Jamnagar in Gujarat. Mr. Modi said that yoga is an essential part of traditional medicine, which has shown the world the path to balance and harmony. He stated that with India's efforts and the cooperation of over 175 countries, the United Nations declared June 21 as International Yoga Day, and today yoga has reached every corner of the world. On the occasion, the Prime Minister also awarded the 'Prime Minister's Awards' to personalities who have made significant contributions to the promotion of yoga.

Prime Minister Modi also announced that the WHO's South-East Asia Regional Office was inaugurated in Delhi today. He termed it a humble gift from India to the world. He said the office would function as a global center for research, regulation, and capacity building. Speaking about Ayurveda, Mr. Modi said it holds the key to health as balance. He said that 'restoring balance' has become a global necessity today. He said that changes in lifestyle, decreased physical activity, and modern conveniences are creating new health challenges for the human body, which are making the role of traditional medicine more important. Discussing the protection and authenticity of traditional medicine, Prime Minister Modi cited the example of Ashwagandha. He said that this herb has been a part of India's traditional medicine for centuries. Mr. Modi said that its global demand has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. He further said that India is now promoting Ashwagandha internationally through research and evidence-based evidence. A postal stamp on Ashwagandha was also released on the occasion. The conference also discussed the interrelationship between traditional knowledge and modern science, digital technology, AI tools, and international cooperation.

Mr. Modi concluded the conference with the message that traditional medicine is transitioning from local to global and India is fully prepared to play a leading role in this global effort.