Two yoga awards from next year: Modi

Celebrating the second International Yoga Day in Chadigarh with over 30,000 people, Modi performed asanas along with them. Dressed in a white-coloured t-shirt and trouser along with a scarf, Modi later announced the institution of two awards, effective next year. 

“There will be a selection of two awards. “One at the international level for those putting in excellent work in the field of yoga and the second one for those working in the field within the country. One International Yoga Award and the second National Yoga Award,” he said. 

Earlier, Modi made a pitch for addressing yoga through diabetes. Pointing out that there was a rise in the number of diabetes patients in India, Modi said, “I want to request trainers who are associated with yoga, from this public platform. From next year when we celebrate yoga day, focus on one subject and this is my subject – diabetes. Diabetes and yoga,” he said. 

“All people belonging to the yoga field, whatever knowledge they have, they must continue with the rest of their yoga activities but this (diabetes) must be the main focus,” Modi said. Stating that diabetes can be controlled through yoga, Modi said.