On the occasion of the 9th International Yoga Day, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the coming together of more than 180 nations at India's instigation as an unprecedented and remarkable achievement.
Modi, who is at present on a state visit to the US, also expressed his gratitude towards his fellow countrymen.
"The coming together of more than 180 countries at India's call is historic. When the proposal for Yoga Day came to the United Nations General Assembly in 2014, it was supported by a record number of countries," PM Modi said in a video message on Wednesday morning.
PM Modi will be participating in a yoga programme organised at the UN headquarters at around 17:30 IST (12:00 GMT).
The idea of the Ocean Ring of Yoga makes Yoga Day even more special as it is based on the mutual relation between the idea of yoga and the expanse of the ocean, the Indian leader said.
"We have to eliminate our contradictions, blockages and resistances through yoga. We have to present the spirit of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat' (One India, Great India) as an example to the world," Modi said.
The Indian leader said that the International Day of Yoga was special this year as scientists at India's research stations in the Arctic and Antarctic were also participating in the celebrations.
He emphasised that the participation of tens of millions of people all over the country and the world in this unique celebration in such a spontaneous manner showed the vast appeal of yoga.
"Tens of millions of people around the world doing yoga with the theme of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' ('The World Is One Family')," PM Modi said in acknowledgement of the day's massive appeal.