Yoga now global heritage: Modi

Bengaluru: Yoga is now global heritage with popularity growing across the world, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday.

"Yoga is now a global heritage. And, the world is embracing traditional Indian medicine with great enthusiasm," said Modi inaugurating the 21st edition of International Conference on Frontiers in Yoga Research and its Applications (INCOFYRA) here.

"And, it is this belief in the power of yoga and faith in humanity that I proposed this initiative (International Day of Yoga) in my inaugural address to the United Nations General Assembly in September 2014," he said, noting that more than a million people from 192 countries observed the day on June 21, 2015.

Being organised by Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhan Sansthan at Prashanti Kutiram, Jigani from January 3-7 here, INCOFYRA aims to integrate ayurveda, naturopathy, yoga, unani, siddha, homeopathy and modern medicine.

Focusing on non-communicable diseases like diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, psychiatric diseases and oncological problems, the international conference will bring prominent doctors and researchers on to one single platform.

In his address, Modi also hoped that they "will integrate yoga and traditional Indian medicine more closely into our healthcare system and make wellness a part of life for all in India and rest of the world".

He also praised Swami Vivekananda for his contribution to spreading Indian wisdom.

"He not only made a unique contribution to the spiritual revival of India, he also placed our timeless wisdom before the world," Modi said.