Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday underlined that re-establishing balance in human health is no longer merely a shared global objective but an immediate global necessity. Speaking at the WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine in New Delhi, the Prime Minister said yoga has guided the world towards well-being, harmony and holistic health.
He recalled that with India’s sustained efforts and the support of over 175 nations, the United Nations officially recognised 21 June as the International Day of Yoga. Over time, he noted, yoga has transcended borders and reached people across continents.
The Prime Minister pointed out that increasing comfort, automation and reduced physical effort in daily life are creating unforeseen health challenges. He stressed that traditional healthcare systems must adopt a long-term outlook rather than focusing solely on short-term solutions, adding that safeguarding future health is a shared global responsibility. He also expressed pride in India hosting the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in Jamnagar.
Mr Modi said the inauguration of the WHO South-East Asia Regional Office in Delhi represents another significant step forward. Describing it as a humble contribution from India to the global community, he said the centre would help promote research, strengthen regulatory frameworks and enhance capacity-building initiatives.
Highlighting India’s commitment to global cooperation in healthcare, the Prime Minister spoke about two key partnerships. These include the creation of a Centre of Excellence for BIMSTEC nations across South and South-East Asia, and a collaborative initiative with Japan focused on blending modern science with traditional medical knowledge.
On the occasion, Prime Minister Modi, along with WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, inaugurated the new WHO South-East Asia Regional Office complex in Delhi. The facility will also house the WHO India Country Office, marking an important milestone in India–WHO collaboration. The Prime Minister also unveiled a WHO technical report on yoga training and released the book From Roots to Global Reach: 11 Years of Transformation in Ayush.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, “India has shown that tradition, innovation and science can advance together.” Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda said, “India is committed to take traditional medicine to new heights.” Union Minister for AYUSH Prataprao Jadhav added that “AYUSH system of medicine is not just therapy but a way of life.”
(Photo courtesy: x/narendramodi)