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Yoga is a symbol of the universal aspiration for health and well being: PM Narendra Modi

Published By : Admin | January 3, 2016 | 16:26 IST
PM Modi inaugurates International Conference on Frontiers in Yoga Research and its Applications in Bengaluru
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Breakthroughs in medicines and vaccines have helped conquer and contain many diseases: PM
Yoga is now a global heritage; world is embracing traditional Indian medicine with great enthusiasm: PM

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today inaugurated the International Conference on Frontiers in Yoga Research and its applications, at Jigani, Bengaluru.

He unveiled the Foundation Stone for a hospital of integrative medicine.

Following is the text of the Prime Minister’s inaugural address:

Governor of Karnataka Shri Vajubhai Vala,

Chief Minister of Karnataka Shri Siddaramaiah,

My valued colleagues in the Council of Ministers,

Dr. Nagendra,

Dignitaries on the dais, esteemed guests from all over the world and Yoga enthusiasts,

It is a great pleasure and privilege to participate in the 21st International Conference on frontiers in yoga research and its applications.

Iam deeply grateful to Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhan Sansthan for organizing this conference.

Vivekananda’s vision was a synthesis of a deep reading of the Indian and Western thought, and drew its spirit from our ancient philosophy and knowledge.

He not only made a unique contribution to the spiritual revival of India, he also placed our timeless wisdom before the world.

He had a deep understanding of the beauty of human diversity and spoke passionately for unity in our world.

This is a particularly special year for the science of yoga.

On June 21, more than a million people in 192 countries came together to celebrate the first International Day of Yoga.

The overwhelming global support is a mark of Yoga's growing international popularity.

It is also a symbol of the universal aspiration for health and well being.

It reflects the shared global desire for balance between human and Mother Nature; and, peace and harmony between people and nations.

Above all, it demonstrated once again the capacity of people from different cultures to reach beyond the familiar boundaries of their lives and unite in pursuit of a larger good.

It is this spirit of unity that demonstrates the timeless science of yoga.

And, it is this belief in the power of yoga and faith in humanity that I proposed this initiative in my inaugural address to the United Nations General Assembly in September 2014.

When it comes to a sustainable future for our world, a healthy habit and happier people, a change in our way of life that influences the choices we make as individuals, nations and global community is important.

This is a recognition that is dawning on the world. And, across cultures and geography, people are increasingly taking to yoga to redefine their lives - to find oneness between their inner self and outer world; between their existence and their environment.

The WHO fact sheet on the global burden of disease says that non-communicable diseases are the leading causes of death worldwide. In 2008, 80 percent of deaths due to these diseases were in developing countries, up from 40 percent in 1990.

By 2030, low-income countries will have eight times more deaths attributed to NCDs than high-income countries.

In India, cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes, and other Non Communicable Diseases are estimated to account for 60% of all deaths. These diseases account for about 40% of all hospital stays and roughly 35% of all recorded outpatient visits.

We face the tragedy of productive lives cut short and families that must deal with untimely loss; the huge toll on the economy; and, the excessive burden on the over-stretched health system.

Some studies have estimated that India stands to lose about 4.58 trillion dollars before 2030 due to non communicable diseases and mental health conditions.

So, we must address the question of psychological state of our existence as much as we try to advance our physical and material life.

This is where the role of Yoga is paramount. Across the world, there are moving stories of transformed lives and rekindled hopes due to Yoga.

The prediction of Shri Aurobindo that “Indian Yoga ... is potentially one of these dynamic elements of the future life of humanity” is coming true.

This discipline was not originally considered or conceived as system of medicine. But, because Yoga is about aholistic lifestyle and the physical, mental, intellectual, emotional, moral and spiritual harmony, it has profound health benefits.

It fits well with the change in the way that world increasingly defines health. We are no longer satisfied with just preventing and managing diseases. People now demand promotion of wellness, which is a healthy balance of the mind, body and spirit.

We now increasingly hear voices calling for holistic treatment, which means dealing not just with the immediate ailment, but with the complete person, physically, psychologically, socially, and spiritually.

Traditional Indian systems are rooted in looking at human beings in totality. They see the link between Adhi or problems at the mind level and Vyadhi or problems at the physical level.

They probe deeper causes, not just look at symptoms. They treat the person, not just cure the disease. They may at times take longer to take effect, but they tend to have deeper and longer impact. And, they are without side effects.

As I argued at the Science Congress this morning, like traditional knowledge, science has also evolved through human experiences and exploration of Nature. So, we must recognize that science, as we see it, does not constitute the only form of empirical knowledge about the world.

And, we must remember that the western system of thought, from Hippocrates to Percival to Edison have expressed views on health that are not fundamentally different from the philosophy of the Indian System.

So, along with the accumulated wisdom and experience gathered over the ages, we must also apply the techniques and methods of modern science to test and validate results, assure quality and explain benefits.

And, this is why we are placing emphasis on our efforts to increase awareness, acceptance and adoption of AYUSH System of Medicine.

And, in doing so, we will create better wellness among people, rely more on local resources and reduce healthcare costs.

We will also reduce the social and economic costs to our society and promote a more environment friendly healthcare system.

I am not here to advocate the supremacy of one system over another. I believe that humanity is wealthier for its diversity. Civilisations, cultures and countries have enriched each other by sharing their knowledge and wisdom. And, we can progress more by learning from each other.

It is in this spirit that Swami Vivekananda called for combining the best from the East and the West.

So, it must be in the area of healthcare. My vision for healthcare is an integrated system that understands and builds on the best and most effective of different traditions.

This is why I deeply appreciate your effort to integrate Yoga, Ayurveda, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy and Modern Medicine by bringing prominent researchers and doctors on one platform.Your focus on four major non-communicable diseases - Diabetes, Cancer, Psychiatric disorders, Hypertension and Cardiovascular diseases is appreciable.

It addresses issues that are very close to my heart.

Modern systems of medicine have transformed healthcare; screening, detection and diagnosis of diseases. Use of technology has reduced barriers to accessing health care, and improved our understanding of disease patterns. Breakthroughs in medicines and vaccines have helped conquer and contain many diseases.

But, as our understanding of its limitation and its side effects have grown, as we have experienced the growing costs of modern medicine systems, we have begun to look beyond to traditional systems, not just in India, but in other countries as well.

Their popularity is growing. Yoga is now a global heritage. And, the world is embracing traditional Indian medicine with great enthusiasm.

So, we look to you at this conference to define the path forward in the service of humanity.

I hope that health professionals, policymakers, government organizations and Industry will bridge the distance between the various forms of medical systems.

I hope that you will to integrate yoga and traditional Indian medicine more closely into our healthcare system and make wellness a part of life for all in India and rest of the world.

You will contribute not only to healthier and happier life for people, but also to a more prosperous and peaceful world, and a more sustainable future for our planet. Thank you.

 

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Indian diaspora in Malaysia acts as a living bridge between the two countries: PM Modi at the community programme in Kuala Lumpur
February 07, 2026

His Excellency, Prime Minister अनवर इब्राहिम,

My dear friends, brothers and sisters,

सलामत पतांग!

वणक्कम्!

सुखमाणो?

सत श्री अकाल!

बागुन्नारा?

केम-छो?

The warmth of your greetings reflects the beautiful diversity of our shared culture.

First of all, I thank my dear friend, Prime Minister अनवर इब्राहिम, for joining this community celebration. I also thank him for his very kind words on the scale and future potential of India – Malaysia friendship in his speech just now.

Not just that, Prime Minister came to the airport to welcome me, and he brought me here in his car. Not only his car, but his seat also. These special gestures reflect his love and respect for India and for all of you.

I am grateful for your warm words, hospitality and friendship.

Friends,

We have just seen a record setting cultural performance. More than 800 Dancers in perfect harmony. This performance will be remembered by our people for years to come. I congratulate you. I congratulate all the performers.

Friends,

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and I have been friends even before he became Prime Minister. I commend his focus on reforms, his great intellect and able Chairmanship of the ASEAN in 2025.

Last year, I could not visit Malaysia for the ASEAN Summit. But I promised my friend that I will come to Malaysia soon. And as promised, I am here.

This is my first foreign visit in 2026. I am delighted to be with you during these festive times. I hope everyone celebrated Sankranti, Pongal and तइ-पूसम् with great joy. Soon, the festival of Shivaratri is coming. In a few days, Ramzan begins and then हरि राया will be celebrated with great devotion. I wish everyone happiness and good health.

Friends,

Malaysia has the second largest Indian-origin community in the world. There is so much that connects Indian and Malaysian hearts. The exhibition that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and I saw a short while ago, shows these connections beautifully. You are a living bridge that links us.

You have connected रोटी चनाई with the मलाबार परोट्टा.

Coconut, spices and of course तेह तारिक…

The flavours feel so familiar, whether it is in Kuala Lumpur or Kochi. We understand each other so well. It must be due to the large number of common words between our languages and मलय.

I have heard that Indian movies and music are popular in Malaysia. You all know that Prime Minister अनवर इब्राहीम sings very well. But many Indians back home did not know it. During his last visit, they were pleasantly surprised. Videos of him singing an old Hindi song in India went viral! It is wonderful that he also loves Tamil songs of the legendary MGR.

Friends,

I know that India has a special place in your hearts. I remember very clearly an instance from 2001. When there was an earthquake in my home state of Gujarat, many of you came together to help. I thank you all.

And even long before that, to make India a free country, thousands of your ancestors made great sacrifices. Many of them had never seen India. But they were among the first to join Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s Indian National Army.

In his honour we renamed the Indian Cultural Centre in Malaysia after Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. I also take this moment to salute the efforts of the Netaji Service Centre and Netaji Welfare Foundation in Malaysia.

Friends,

It is remarkable the way you have preserved traditions over centuries. Recently, I spoke in my monthly radio conversation Mann Ki Baat about you. I shared with 1.4 billion Indians how over 500 schools in Malaysia teach children in Indian languages.

The influence of great saints like तिरुवळ्ळुवर् and स्वामी विवेकानंद can also be felt here. The तइ-पूसम् in बतु caves last week was so divine that it looked like the celebrations at पळनि. Equally grand are the cultural celebrations at श्री वेंकटेश्वरा Temple, बागान दातोह.

I am told that Garba is very popular here. We also deeply cherish the cultural connections with our Sikh brothers who live here. You have carried the teachings of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji to this day by promoting नाम जपो, किरत करो, वंड छको.

Friends,

We have people from all parts of India here. The threads of cultural unity bind us strongly. Our strength is we understand unity in diversity.

Friends,

Tamil is India’s gift to the world. Tamil literature is eternal and Tamil culture is global. In the same way, Tamil people have also served humanity with their talents. And I proudly say, India’s Vice President, Thiru CP Radhakrishnan ji, Our Foreign Minister Jaishankar ji who is with us today, Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman ji, who has presented our budget nine times. Dr. Murugan, our Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, are all from Tamil Nadu.

In the same way, the members of the Tamil diaspora in Malaysia, are serving the society, in various fields. In fact, The Tamil diaspora has been here for many centuries. Inspired by this history, we are proud to have established the तिरुवळ्ळुवर Chair in the University of मलाया. We will now set up a तिरुवळ्ळुवर Centre to further strengthen our shared heritage.

Friends,

Our relationship with Malaysia is scaling new heights each year. In 2024, during the visit of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to New Delhi, we elevated our ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Today, we walk hand in hand as partners towards progress and prosperity. We celebrate each other’s success just as our own. I was touched by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s good wishes on the historic success of Chandrayaan-3. I agree with you, my dear friend. India’s success is Malaysia’s success, it is Asia’s success.

That is why, I say the guiding word of our relationship is IMPACT. IMPACT means India Malaysia Partnership for Advancing Collective Transformation.

IMPACT on the speed of our relations

IMPACT on the scale of our ambitions

IMPACT for the benefit of our people

Together, we can benefit entire humanity!

Friends,

Indian companies have always been keen to work with Malaysia. It is a privilege that we played a part in creating Malaysia’s first and Asia’s largest insulin manufacturing facility.

Over 100 Indian IT companies operate in Malaysia, generating thousands of jobs. The Malaysia-India Digital Council is paving new pathways for our digital collaboration. I am happy to share with you that India's UPI will come to Malaysia soon.

Friends,

We share the same blue waters of the Indian Ocean. Across the ocean, we love to visit each other. I invite you all to visit different parts of India.

In the past few years, India has seen unprecedented growth in infrastructure and connectivity. The number of our airports has doubled in a decade. Highways are being built at a record pace. Modern trains like Vande Bharat are getting international acclaim. I encourage more of you to travel and experience Incredible India.

You must also bring your मलय friends with you. Don’t come alone. Because people-to-people connect is the cornerstone of our friendship.

Friends,

When we met in 2015, I spoke to you about India’s potential. Now, I speak to you about India’s performance. In one decade, India has seen a massive transformation.

Then, we were the 11th largest economy in the world. Now, we are knocking on the doors of the Top 3. We are also the world’s fastest growing major economy.

Then, Make in India was a sapling that was just planted. Now, India is the world’s second largest mobile manufacturer. Our defence exports have gone up nearly 30 times since 2014. India has also become the third largest startup hub in the world.

We have built the world’s largest Digital Public Infrastructure and the world’s largest fintech ecosystem. Nearly half of the world’s real-time digital transactions happen in India, thanks to our UPI platform.

While growing fast, we also ensured that our growth is clean and green. For example, in one decade, our solar energy has grown about 40 times.

Friends,

Earlier, India was seen just as a huge market. Now, we are a hub for investment and trade. India is seen as a trusted partner for growth. Whether it is the UK, UAE, Australia, New Zealand, Oman, the EU or USA, countries have trade deals with India. Trust has become India’s strongest currency.

Friends,

India will always embrace you with open arms. That is why we made a historic decision just a few months ago. We extended the OCI card eligibility to Malaysian citizens of Indian origin up to the 6th generation.

We have been supporting the Indian Scholarships Trust Fund. Now, we are also going to give तिरुवळ्ळुवर Scholarships for students to study in India. And we look forward to seeing you in the Know India Program.

You would be happy to know that we will soon be opening a new Consulate of India in Malaysia. This will bring us even closer.

Friends,

1.4 billion Indians want to build a developed India by 2047.

विकसित भारत बनाना है ना ?

विकसित भारत बनाके रहेंगे कि नहीं रहेंगे ?

हम अपने सपनों को साकार करेंगे कि नहीं करेंगे ?

हम सपनों को संकल्प में बदलेंगे कि नहीं बदलेंगे ?

हम संकल्प को सिद्ध करके रहेंगे कि नहीं रहेंगे ?

In this journey, our Pravasi Bharatiyas, the Indian diaspora, is a valuable partner. Whether you were born in Kuala Lumpur or Kolkata, India lives in your hearts. You are an active part of Malaysia’s and India’s progress. You will help realise the vision of prosperous Malaysia and Viksit Bharat.

Jai Hind!

जुम्पा लागी!

मिक्का नण्ड्री!