Health Minister Shri J P Nadda leads Yoga Session at 69th session of WHO SEARO at Colombo

New Delhi, September 8, 2016: Following in the vision of the Hon. Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Shri J P Nadda led the yoga session at the 69th session of the WHO Regional Committee of South-East Asia Region at Colombo, today. Shri J P Nadda said that the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, gave a call at the United Nations General Assembly to recognize Yoga as a provider of holistic approach to health and well-being. We are happy to note that the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution, with co-sponsorship from 177 countries, to observe 21st June as the International day of Yoga, the Union Health Minister stated at Colombo. Shri Nadda was accompanied by Health Ministers of several nations in the Yoga session and more than a hundred participants.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Nadda said that Yoga, the “ancient Vedic gift to the world”, has the ability to bring together the body, soul and mind for a holistic approach to health and wellbeing, including the physical, mental and spiritual realms of the human being. “Yoga is not just a set of exercises. Rather, Yoga is a philosophy of discipline and meditation that transforms the spirit and makes the individual a better person in thought, action, knowledge and devotion,” the Health Minister elaborated.

Expressing his concern on the rising prevalence of non-communicable and lifestyle diseases around the globe, the Shri Nadda said that the problems of modern lifestyles are well known. Decline in communicable diseases has been accompanied by a gradual rise in the prevalence of chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) which now contribute to 60% of mortality. He added that Yoga, an ancient practice of India, can contribute to resilience against Non-Communicable Diseases. The knowledge of Yoga can be very effectively used for preventing and controlling many of the lifestyles diseases. “Major Non-communicable Diseases like Cancer, Diabetes, CVD, Stroke, and COPD are to a great extent by unhealthy lifestyle. If the body is a temple of the mind, yoga creates a beautiful temple,” Shri Nadda stated.

Greeting the participants, the Health Minister said that the spread of yoga is the symbol of a changing world. It represents a world where knowledge flows, without restriction of country, creed or class. It represents a world where people come together across boundaries, for causes and concerns that unite the planet. Shri Nadda stated that Yoga is our collective gift to humanity. It may have originated in India, but it draws its energies from the millions who practice it around the world.

Shri J P Nadda is representing India at the 69th session of the WHO Regional Committee of South-East Asia Region at Colombo, where he has articulated the vision of Government of India in the area of universal healthcare and its roadmap for achieving the SDGs. Shri Nadda has highlighted the myriad achievements of the Health Ministry including Mission Indradhanush, MNTE and Yaws-free status of India in the various sessions at the meet.

Shri Nadda also received the certificate for MNTE and Yaws-free India today. The certificates were presented by DG, WHO, Dr Margaret Chan and DG, WHO-SEARO Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh.