PM Modi asks world leaders to adopt International Yoga Day

UNITED NATIONS: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today asked the world leaders to adopt an International Yoga Day, saying that by changing lifestyle and creating consciousness, it can help us deal with climate change.

"Let us work towards adopting an International Yoga Day," Modi said in his maiden address to the 193-member UN General Assembly here.

Noting that Yoga is "an invaluable gift of our ancient tradition", he said: "It is not about exercise but to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and the nature."

Yoga is the 5,000-year-old Indian physical, mental and spiritual practice that aim to transform body and mind.

"Yoga embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfillment; harmony between man and nature; a holistic approach to health and well being," he said.

"By changing our lifestyle and creating consciousness, it can help us deal with climate change," he added.