New York: During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s three-day visit to the United States, veteran Hollywood actor Richard Gere expressed admiration for the Prime Minister, describing him as a product of Indian culture. The renowned actor, known for his roles in Hollywood hits such as “Pretty Woman,” “Primal Fear,” and “Chicago,” was pictured sitting opposite PM Modi and engaging in yoga on the lawns of the UN headquarters in New York.
Gere praised PM Modi, stating, “It is a lovely message. He is a product of Indian culture and comes from a vast place, like Indian culture does. This message of universal brotherhood and sisterhood is the one we want to hear again and again.”
The occasion for their meeting was International Yoga Day, and Gere joined PM Modi in performing yoga as part of the event at the UN headquarters. The gathering also saw the participation of notable figures such as the President of the 77th United Nations General Assembly, Csaba Korosi, New York City Mayor Eric Adams, India’s permanent ambassador to the UN, Ruchira Kamboj, digital evangelist Vala Afshar, award-winning storyteller Jay Shetty, Indian chef and restaurateur Vikas Khanna, and Grammy-winning musician Ricky Kej.
During the event, PM Modi highlighted the origins and benefits of yoga, emphasising its universality and its ability to adapt to individuals of different ages, genders, and fitness levels. He underlined the inclusive nature of yoga, free from copyrights, patents, and royalty payments. PM Modi called upon everyone to use the power of yoga not only for personal health and happiness but also to foster kindness towards oneself and others. He urged participants to leverage yoga’s potential to build bridges of friendship, create a peaceful world, and contribute to a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future. The Prime Minister’s vision encapsulated the idea of “One Earth, One Family, One Future.”
The event showcased the convergence of Indian culture, yoga, and global participation, reaffirming the universal appeal and significance of this ancient practise.
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