Pranayam may help in boosting immunity: PM Modi on International Yoga Day

New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday morning said that pranayama - the practice of breath control in yoga - can "help boost immunity". He was addressing the nation to mark the International Yoga Day amid a spike in coronavirus cases across the country. 

"COVID-19 attacks our respiratory system. Pranayama help us strengthen our respiratory system. There are various forms of pranayama," PM Modi said today.

"A lot of coronavirus patients across the world are benefiting due to yoga. It gives us the confidence to struggle during difficult times and emerge victorious. Yoga gives us physical strength and peace of mind," he added.

This was the first time since the inception of International Yoga Day in 2015 that the event has gone completely digital. This year's theme is "Yoga at Home and Yoga with Family".

Union Home Minister Amit Shah tweeted in the morning and wrote, "Yoga is a means of establishing harmony between body and mind, thought process and work, humanity and nature...  This precious gift of Indian culture to the entire humanity has received global acceptance due to Modi ji's efforts... World has embraced yoga."