The
Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has said that Yoga is the
Mother of all Exercises. He was addressing the inaugural session of the 3rd
International Yoga Conference, here today. The Minister of State for AYUSH
(Independent Charge), Shri Shripad Yesso Naik and other dignitaries were
present on the occasion.
The
Vice President said that the ancient science of Yoga is India’s invaluable gift
to the modern world. He further said that we believe that knowledge and science
should be transmitted freely for the welfare of the entire world. “Sarve
Janaah Sukhino Bhavantu” has been our fervent prayer from time immemorial,
he added.
The
Vice President said that Yoga goes beyond the physical exercises and connects
the body with thought processes. He further said that Yoga has nothing to do
with religion, as some people unfortunately attribute religious overtones to
this ancient scientific system. It is a science of well being that needs to be
studied and practiced just as any other medical system, he added.
The
Vice President said that Yoga should become a part and parcel of our daily
routine to combat the modern-day health problems, both physical and mental. He
further said that Yoga aims to help us to achieve a state of equilibrium when
we are at Peace with ourselves so that we can create a peaceful environment.
The
Vice President appreciated the efforts of the people like Baba Ram Dev who made
Yoga to reach every house simply by explaining what Yoga is.
Following
is the text of Vice President’s address:
“I
am extremely pleased to inaugurate this two-day international Conference on
‘Yoga and Wellness’ organized by the Ministry of AYUSH.
I
am glad that a large number of delegates from more than 44 countries around the
world are attending this conference.
Yoga is the Mother of all Exercises.
The
theme of the conference is very much relevant and timely. It provides an
opportunity to deepen our understanding of the ancient science of yoga and the
possible ways in which this knowledge can be applied to make our contemporary
lives better, healthier and happier.
The
conference will be focusing on seeking solutions to contemporary problems by
utilizing the insights of ancient scientists. A quick glance at the topics
being covered in this conference shows the potential pathway to wellness that
yoga may offer to a Population suffering because of modern, stress-filled
lifestyles.
‘Yoga
and depression’, ‘Yoga and Cardiovascular Diseases’, ‘Yoga and Cancer Control’,
‘Yoga and Pain management’, ‘Yoga for Women; Case Studies on Gynecological Disorders’—these
are the topics of the technical sessions for papers presentation by experts,
followed by a panel discussion.
What
does the wide range of the topics indicate? It indeed shows the all-pervasive
and positive role yoga can play in Management and control of different
ailments. Friends, I need not elaborate to this erudite Audience about the
ill-effects of the many problems like pollution plaguing the modern society.
For instance, studies have shown that yoga helps in improving pulmonary
function in patients suffering from bronchial asthma.
The
ancient science of Yoga is India’s invaluable gift to the modern world. Thanks
to the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, the United Nations declared June
21 as the International Yoga Day and is now being celebrated across the
globe. The ancient science has been practiced in India and many countries
around the world for a number of years. What the declaration of June 21 as
International Day of yoga will do is to enable a greater number of persons to
benefit from this holistic science. We, in India, believe that knowledge and
science should be transmitted freely for the welfare of the entire world. “Sarve
Janaah Sukhino Bhavantu” has been our fervent prayer from time immemorial.
Yoga
is a holistic science embodying the basic principle of organic,
interconnectedness of different facets of life. It is not a mere set of
exercises. It goes beyond the physical exercises and connects the body with
thought processes. It seeks to build a lifestyle that values calmness, harmony
and positive thinking. It is probably one of the most effective therapies for
many psycho-somatic disorders.
As
has been rightly mentioned, Yoga adopts a holistic approach towards health and
well-being. While Yoga has nothing to do with religion, some people
unfortunately attribute religious overtones to this ancient scientific system.
It is a science of well being that needs to be studied and practiced just as
any other medical system. This is precisely the objective of conferences like
the one we are having here today. More research needs to be done to take this
science forward so that the world population benefits from this treasury of
knowledge and wisdom.
Yoga
should become a part and parcel of our daily routine to combat the modern-day
health problems, both physical and mental. There is also a misconception that
Yoga is only a sort of physical exercise meant to help the fitness of an
individual. Nothing could be farther than this. It is a holistic system where the
mind and body act in unison and get completely rejuvenated as physical
postures, breathing exercises and meditation help in overall well-being of an
individual. And of course Yoga also helps in the spiritual quest of an
individual through understanding of the inner Self and achieving complete peace
with the surroundings.
In
fact, there are different dimensions of yoga and we find them elaborated in the
Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and other treatises including the timeless classic,
Bhagavad-Gita. Samatvam
Yoga Uchyate (समत्वंयोगउच्यते). “That is Yoga, which is based on Samatva,
calmness, balance”. When there is imbalance within the body or the mind, we
don’t feel well. We cannot do our best. Yoga believes that this balance has to
be restored to achieve wellness and total well being.
Yoga aims to help us to achieve a state of
equilibrium when we are at peace with ourselves so that we can create a
peaceful environment around us. We are at harmony with our surroundings, with
our fellow human beings, with nature and environment. Yoga systems recognize
that the training of the body is the first important step towards achieving
this goal. The ancient yogic scientists emphasized the fundamental importance
of being in good physical health. They said: “Shariramaadyam Khalu Dharma
Saadhanam” meaning “A healthy body is the first step towards achieving
whatever one aspires for”.
While,
yoga is an integral part of ‘Health and Physical education’ in India, it is
also gaining increasing popularity in schools in the United States and has been
introduced in schools in the UK and Australia because of its positive effects
on concentration levels and emotional balance, among others.
Many
more systematic efforts to spread the knowledge are called for.
I
am sure this two-day conference will give an impetus to the wider dissemination
of the scientific principles underlying yoga. I do hope that the scientific and
medical fraternity will establish empirically the connection between yoga and
wellness. That would, indeed, be the foundation for a healthy, harmonious
sustainable world. Your efforts will hopefully be successful I wish that this
Conference become a grand success.
I
appreciate the efforts of the people like Baba Ram Dev. He made Yoga to reach
every house. That is the greatness of that individual. He made this herculean task
simply by explaining what Yoga is and how it helps you lead a better life. Once
he organized a Yoga camp in my place, Nellore town. He invited me to the Yoga
demonstration at 5.30 in the morning. When we reached the venue next morning, I
was surprised to see the ground was full of about 30 thousand Yoga enthusiasts,
who gathered there to practice Yoga. Such was the impact of Baba Ram Dev.
Many
more great people have done great things. We have seen now, Swami Maheshwarananda
ji living in a country like Austria, propagating Yoga and also Dr. Chris
Streeter teaching Yoga in US Boston University, and catching up everywhere.
I
wish to end with the prayer from the Upanishads that is a prayer for happiness,
good health and positive thoughts.
SarveBhavantuSukhinah
SarveSantuNiraamayaah
SarveBhadraaniPashyantu
MaaKaschidDukhaBhaagBhavet
“Let
everyone be happy, free from illness, see goodness everywhere and not be
sorrowful”.
I
wish you all the very best in your deliberations and future work.
Jai
Hind”
***
KSD/BK
