Modi in US Visit Day 1: PM Modi leads Yoga session at UN, terms yoga as ‘truly universal, free from copyrights’

Soon after his arrival, Prime Minister Modi met Twitter owner and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who asserted that India has more promise than any other large country and that he is incredibly excited about its future. He also met with other eminent personalities like Nobel Prize winner Paul Romer and astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, besides group meetings with experts from healthcare and educational sectors.

Here are the highlights from Day 1 of PM Modi’s US visit: 

1. 01

   Yoga is 'truly universal, free from copyrights': PM Modi

   Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday described Yoga as "truly universal" and "free from copyrights and patents" as he led a historic event at the UN Headquarters here to commemorate the 9th International Day of Yoga, attended by top UN officials, diplomats and prominent personalities.

   Addressing the gathering, Modi said, "I remember about nine years ago right here at the UN, I had the honour to propose celebrating the International Day of yoga on 21st June."

   "It was wonderful to see the entire world come together to support the idea back then," he said, adding that it is wonderful to see the entire world come together again for yoga.

2. 02

   PM Modi joins hundreds of yoga enthusiasts at UN HQ

   PM Modi, wearing a especially customised white yoga T-shirts and trouser, joined hundreds of yoga enthusiasts and practitioners at the International Yoga Day celebrations at UN headquarters in New York. The historic yoga session was attended by top UN officials, ambassadors, envoys, delegates from Member States as well as prominent members of the global and diaspora community.

   VIDEO | PM Modi performs yoga at International Yoga Day celebrations at UN headquarters in New York.#InternationalDayofYoga2023 pic.twitter.com/jyMPZYrhlq

   — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 21, 2023

3. 03

   Hollywood actor Richard Gere at UN Yoga event

   Richard Gere was seen at the UN HQ in New York to take part in the Yoga Day event led by PM Narendra Modi. Speaking to reporters, he said, "It is a very nice feeling here today."

   VIDEO | Hollywood actor Richard Gere at the UN headquarters ahead of the International Yoga Day celebrations, which will be led by PM Modi shortly. pic.twitter.com/Wf9CrY0sjY

   — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 21, 2023

4. 04

   People arrive in large numbers to attend yoga day event led by PM Modi at UN

   A spirit of enthusiasm and celebration overflowed outside the UN headquarters here on Wednesday as people in large numbers attended a historic event led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to commemorate the 9th International Day of Yoga. The overwhelming number of people of Indian origin mixed with a smattering of yoga enthusiasts of other nationalities formed a long queue outside the entrance amid tight security measures ahead of the event, news agency PTI reported.

   In a boost to India's efforts to raise yoga's global profile, the event at the UN created a Guinness World Record for the participation of people of most nationalities at a yoga session.

5. 05

   Yoga a 'precious practice' in a dangerous and divided world: Antonio Guterres

   UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in his video message on the occasion, said yoga unites body and mind, humanity and nature and millions of people across the globe for whom it is a source of strength, harmony and peace.

   "In a dangerous and divided world, the benefits of this ancient practice are particularly precious. Yoga offers a haven of calm, it can reduce anxiety and promote mental well-being. It helps us to develop discipline and patience. It connects us to our planet, which so badly needs our protection," Guterres said.

   He added that yoga reveals "our common humanity, helping us to understand that despite our differences, we are one. On this International Day of Yoga, let us embrace the spirit of unity and resolve to build a better, more harmonious world for people, the planet and ourselves."

6. 06

   Here’s what PM Modi discussed with top leaders during his landmark US visit

   Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday arrived in New York where he met several business and thought leaders like Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Nobel Prize winner Paul Romer and astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson. He also met with experts in healthcare, tech and education sectors and discussed the National Education policy, tuberculosis elimination efforts and policymaking, among other topics.

   Drawing wider attention, PM Modi met Tesla CEO Elon Musk and tweeted that he had multifaceted conversations on issues ranging from energy to spirituality. Meanwhile, the world’s richest person told media that Tesla will be in India soon and he is planning to visit the country next year.

   After meeting eminent economist and Nobel laureate, Professor Paul Romer, PM Modi tweeted that he talked about how to make cities more sustainable and people friendly. Referring to billionaire investor, Raymond Thomas Dalio as a friend, PM Modi wrote on Twitter, “Met my friend, the distinguished author and investor @RayDalio. Urged him to deepen investments in India and also talked about the reform trajectory of our Government.” Read Here

7. 07

   India, like US, is vibrant democracy, both will continue working on bilateral relationship: White House

   India, like the US, is a vibrant democracy and the two nations are going to continue to work on their bilateral relationship, the White House said amid Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit.

8. 08

   'Best we can do is follow laws of any given country': Musk on Jack Dorsey controversy

   When asked about former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey's recent allegations against the Indian government, Elon Musk told reporters that Twitter does not have a choice but to follow the local government.

   "The best we can do is to follow the laws in any given country," he said, adding that it is impossible for "us to do more than that".

   There are different rules and regulations for different forms of governments, and "we will do our best to provide the freest speech that is possible under the law," Musk said.

9. 09

   India has more promise than any other large country: Elon Musk on meeting PM Modi

   After meeting the Prime Minister, Tesla CEO and Twitter chief Elon Musk described his conversation as excellent and said that India has more promise than any other large country.

   Asked if Tesla will enter the Indian market, Musk said he is planning to visit the country next year. "I am confident that Tesla will be in India and will do so as soon as humanly possible," he said.

   Great conversation with @NarendraModi https://t.co/UYpRvNywHb

   — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 21, 2023

10. 10

    PM Modi touches down in New York

    Prime Minister Modi touched down in New York late yesterday for the first leg of his US state visit. The prime minister was received at the airport by Indian Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, and India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ruchira Kamboj.

    Landed in New York City. Looking forward to the programmes here including interaction with thought leaders and the Yoga Day programme tomorrow, 21st June. pic.twitter.com/6V5gHglLCg

    — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 20, 2023