Yoga will lead to a new era of togetherness and harmony, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said.
Modi made the comments through video conference as the 29th edition of the International Yoga Festival opened in Rishikesh.
Calling yoga the "journey from 'me' to 'we'", he said: "Yoga makes an individual a better person in thought, action, knowledge and devotion.
"Yoga expands our limited sense of self to see our families, societies and mankind and extension of our own self."
Speaking on the positive impact of yoga and ills of modern lifestyle, Modi said: "There is ample evidence that practicing yoga helps fight stress and lifestyle related issues."
The International Yoga Festival is jointly organised by AYUSH, the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board and the Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Rishikesh.