INDIA’S prime minister Narendra Modi expressed his gratitude to Bangladesh for making the international day of yoga "a resounding success" every year.
On the seventh anniversary of the International Yoga Day on Monday (21), Modi said, "I remain optimistic that humanity shall overcome the pandemic very soon."
In a letter to his Bangladesh counterpart, Sheikh Hasina, Modi said, "It was heartening to see our sisters and brothers in Bangladesh turning out in massive numbers in the last few years to perform yoga at the Bangabandhu National Stadium."
“The international day of yoga celebrations will continue to enjoy Sheikh Hasina's government's support in the years ahead,” he added.
This year's theme is "Yoga for wellness."
"Like the year gone by, this year's international day of yoga will also be marked under the shadow of the Covid-19 global pandemic," Modi said.
He added, "While the threat of the pandemic remains, there have been positive developments since the last International Day of Yoga.”
"Yoga can help build that immunity, for instance, through breathing exercises that strengthen the lungs. At the same time, across the world, millions of people have been forced to stay indoors for months.
“This has taken a toll on their mental health as well. Regular practice of yoga can also help them recover," Modi added.
“Yoga has an inherent power to connect and it is good for community, immunity, and unity,” he said.
In 2014, the UN general assembly recognised June 21 as an international day of yoga.
Bob Blackman MP speaks during the event