On the evening of 23rd March, 2014, Shri Narendra Modi attended the Yog Mahotsav at Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi.
Organized by Patanjali Yogpeeth and Bharat Swabhiman Trust, the Yog Mahotsav coincided with the Martyrs Day, and witnessed millions of people from across the world taking part in Yoga. Organized across 650 districts of India and in over 40 countries of the world, the Yog Mahotsav marked the occasion of the death anniversaries of freedom fighters Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Shaheed Sukhdev and Shaheed Rajguru, and had Shri Narendra Modi felicitating the families of the freedom fighters.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Modi acknowledged and appreciated Yog Guru Baba Ramdev’s efforts at ensuring a Swastha Bharat, through the power of Yoga, and said, “It was believed that Yoga is something only seers do in caves. Ramdev ji made this a mass movement, and integrated everyone with it. I congratulate Yogi Shri Ramdev for this. He has also utilised technology, and I think this is a world record.” He further spoke of the immense yet untapped potential of Yoga in eliminating various vices, and mentioned how the Central government was least bothered at realizing the true value of Yoga. “Yog is not only about Rog Mukti but also Bhog Mukti. Yoga can be our cultural ambassador. We can reach out to the world through this medium. I am very happy that this Mahotsav began in Surat and I had the honour to be present there,” stated Shri Modi.
Shri Modi also affirmed how this initiative of Baba Ramdev solely focused on creating a healthy society, and was not a result of any political inclination. Appreciating Baba Ramdev’s thoughts towards ensuring a corruption-free society, Shri Modi said, “Baba Ramdev has nothing to do with people or parties. He has a fire that why is there black money, corruption. The issue he raises, I really respect and I feel they are the issues I want to raise...sadly some people lose their sleep over it and trouble him.”
On the occasion, Shri Modi also remembered the contribution of freedom fighters in the Nation’s freedom struggle and expressed reverence while mentioning how the people in pre-Independence era had the honour to die for the Nation, but today, we must instead be living for the Nation. “I bow to all the martyrs who gave their life for the nation. Before 1947 people had the honour to die for the nation. Sadly we don't have that honour but we have to live for the nation. Today, it should be about devoting ourselves to the people of India, to Bharat Mata,” said Shri Modi.
Shri Modi also spoke of how efforts should be directed at making the Nation such that it pays a rich tribute to the freedom fighters on the completion of India’s 75th year of Independence in 2022. He mentioned that this was possible only if the poor had homes, all were employed and basic amenities of water, power and sanitation was made available to all. “It’s about what kind of nation we want to make as the nation turns 75. What is the tribute we want to give to freedom fighters? Poorest of the poor have homes, everyone has jobs, there is water, power and sanitation. Is this too much to ask,” stated Shri Modi.
Most revered Morari Bapu ji, Bhai Shri Ramesh Bhai Oza, Swami Avdheshanand Giri and Swami Govind Vyas were among the dignitaries present on the occasion.
