UN chief says yoga helps bring people, planet closer; PM Modi says 'I fully agree'

New Delhi/New York: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said he fully agrees with UN chief Antonio Guterres’ statement that yoga helps to bring people closer and improve the health of the planet.

As he prepares to participate in the International Yoga Day celebrations a the United Nations Headquarters, PM Modi in a tweet said:

“Fully agree with @UN Secretary General @antonioguterres on the importance of Yoga. May Yoga Day bring us all closer and improve the health of our planet.”

The UN Secretary General in a tweet said:

“In a divided world, yoga unites millions of people across the globe, for whom it is a source of strength, harmony, and peace.

“On this #YogaDay, let us embrace this spirit of unity, and resolve to build a better, more harmonious world for people & planet.”

In a video message, the UN chief said:

“Yoga offers us a haven of calm. It can reduce anxiety and promote mental wellbeing. It helps us to develop discipline and patience.

“It connects us to our planet which so badly needs our protection, and it reveals our common humanity, helping us to understand that despite our differences we are one.

“On this IYD, let us embrace the spirit of unity, and resolve to build a better, more harmonious world for the people, planet and ourselves.” (UNI)