On the occasion of International Day of Yoga on June 21, Manoj Kumar, Chairman, Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Government of India launched the 'Khadi Yoga Mat' at a function organised at KVIC Headquarters in Mumbai.

Addressing the launching program, Manoj Kumar said that the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan' under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is setting new paradigms day by day. Introduction of 'Khadi Yoga Mat' is also a part of the same campaign.

He further added that this mat is completely indigenous and environment friendly. It has been designed in such a way that all kinds of Yogasanas (exercises) can be performed on it.

On the occasion, the chairman released margin money grant of about Rs 25 crores to 237 beneficiaries of Western Zone under the Prime Minister's Employment Generation Program (PMEGP) scheme, too.

He also congratulated KVIC officials and lakhs of Khadi artisans working in rural areas of country for achieving the historic turnover of Rs 1.34 lakh crores in the financial year 2022-23.

Introduction of 'Khadi Yoga Mat' is a part of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan' campaign. Telegraph picture

Prior to the launching of 'Khadi Yoga Mat', Manoj Kumar performed Yoga and Pranayama with the officers and employees of KVIC in a program organised in the morning.

Addressing the gathering, he said that in the year 2014, it was the efforts of PM Modi who had proposed the United Nations General Assembly to celebrate Yoga Day, which was soon accepted within a span of three months, and on June 21, 2015, International Yoga Day was celebrated for the first time.

With the inspiration of PM Modi, India in the form of Yoga Guru is now teaching the lessons of Yoga to the world.

Manoj Kumar, Chairman, Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Government of India addressing the gathering. Telegraph picture

KVIC Chairman further added that under the leadership of the prime minister, KVIC has presented a lofty picture of a lofty India to the world, by taking the concept of 'Vocal for Local' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat’ campaign to new heights.

For the first time in the history of independent India, the turnover of KVIC products has crossed Rs 1.34 lakh crores, while 9,54,899 new employment opportunities also have been generated in rural areas.

He further said that the 'Khadi Yoga Mat' is a completely indigenous product prepared by the skills of Khadi artisans. "We all have to be vocal for this new local product. And when we become 'Vocal for Local' for our products, then only our products will be able to reach the category of 'Local to Global'."

Reiterating the historical achievements of KVIC, he further said that PMEGP has set a new record in bringing together the youths of the country with the Swadeshi Abhiyaan of PM Narendra Modi.

This scheme accomplishes the dream of 'becoming a job creator rather than a job seeker'.

Chairman KVIC also distributed an amount of Rs 25 crore through digital mode to 237 beneficiaries of Western Zone under PMEGP scheme. Noteworthy to mention, that about 2,607 people would be getting additional employment opportunity through the units set up by these PMEGP beneficiaries. A large number of officers and employees of the KVIC were present on the occasion.