'India showed world yoga': PM Modi praises HV Sheshadri at Bengaluru event

PM Modi in Bengaluru

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday praised writer and RSS leader HV Sheshadri for his contribution to nation-building, saying he dedicated his life to preparing "dedicated, capable, and disciplined citizens".Speaking at the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Prashanti Kutiram at S-VYASA University in Bengaluru, PM also highlighted India's efforts to take its cultural heritage, traditional knowledge and scientific achievements to the global stage."Friends, along with the grand jubilee of Prashanti Kuttrem, this year we are celebrating the birth centenary of the revered H.V. Sheshadri. I pay my respectful homage. Sheshadri dedicated his entire life to furthering the mission of nation-building through the creation of the H.V. Seshadri Institute," PM Modi said."He knew that to take the country to the pinnacle of success it would require dedicated, capable, and disciplined citizens. Sheshadri ji devoted himself to preparing such individuals," PM Modi added.The Prime Minister also spoke about India's spiritual legacy, recalling the contribution of Swami Vivekananda in awakening the country's spiritual consciousness and introducing yoga to its youth."When the country was shackled by the chains of slavery, millions of freedom fighters were fighting for independence on one side... while on the other, there were national sages like Swami Vivekananda, who awakened India's spiritual consciousness. Showed India's youth the path of yoga. Over the past 12 years, India has confidently presented its culture, its identity, and its knowledge and science to the world. This is why the whole world now celebrates International Day of Yoga at India's initiative. Yoga asanas have also been recognized as a competitive sport in India.

Events such as Khelo India and the National Games have also created new opportunities for yoga asanas. These changes are very important for India. They have also opened up opportunities for people involved. We have encouraged research related to Ayurveda and Ayurveda-based patents, and today we are seeing the results of that too.

Exports of AYUSH and herbal products from India are steadily increasing," the PM said.The Golden Jubilee celebrations of Prashanti Kutiram and the birth centenary of HV Sheshadri was organised by the S-VYASA Registered Society in memory of the writer. RSS Sarkaryavah (General Secretary) Dattatreya Hosabale was the distinguished guest at the event.

PM was welcomed on his arrival by Karnataka chief minister DK Shivakumar. Governor Sudha Yadav was also present.

PM Modi to launch Bengaluru projects worth Rs 15,600 crore

The Prime Minister is also scheduled to inaugurate, dedicate to the nation, lay the foundation stone and flag off development projects worth over Rs 15,600 crore in Bengaluru.Among the projects is the elevated section of Namma Metro's Pink Line, which will take the city's operational metro network beyond the 100-km mark for the first time.The corridor connecting Kalena Agrahara to Tavarekere covers six stations — Kalena Agrahara, Hulimavu, IIMB (Bilekahalli-IIMB), JP Nagar 4th Phase, Jayadeva Hospital and Tavarekere.