Practice Pranayama to boost immunity amid COVID-19 pandemic: PM Modi on International Yoga Day

In a video address to countrymen, PM Modi said: "Due to the outbreak of coronavirus, the world has attached more importance to yoga. Yoga helps to boost our immunity. If our immunity is good, then we can fight the war against coronavirus. Several forms of yoga help our immunity get strengthened."

"As you know COVID-19 attacks our respiratory system, Pranayama (a practice of breath control in yoga) is most effective in strengthening the respiratory system," he added.

"I, therefore, urge you all to practice Pranayama along with anulom and vilom techniques to gain better immunity. We should make these a part of our daily routine. There are many yoga exercises that boost our immunity and strengthen the metabolism," said the PM at a time when the country registered over 4 lakh cases of the highly contagious virus including 12,000 deaths.

Starting his address to mark the International Yoga Day, the Prime Minister said: "This is a day of unity. This day sends a message of bond across the world."

"Yoga is something which brings everyone together," he said.

PM Modi said, owing to the pandemic, this year the theme for the day is 'Yoga at Home and Yoga With Family'.

"We are all practicing yoga from home, staying away from any big events," said he.

Pointing out various merits of yoga, Modi said, "We derive mental peace and restraint from practicing yoga. It gives us emotional balance."

"Yoga enhances our quest for a healthier planet. It has emerged as a force for unity and deepens the bonds of humanity. It does not discriminate. It goes beyond race, colour, gender, faith and nations. Anybody can embrace Yoga," he said.

International Yoga Day was first instituted on June 21, 2015, coinciding with the Summer Solstice each year.

"If we can fine tune our chords of health and hope, the day is not far away when world will witness the success of healthy and happy humanity. Yoga can definitely help us make this happen," PM Modi said.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also tweeted this morning to mark the International Yoga Day.

"Yoga is a means of establishing harmony between body and mind, thought process and work, humanity and nature... This precious gift of Indian culture to the entire humanity has received global acceptance due to Modi ji's efforts... World has embraced yoga," he tweeted.