New York/IBNS: Prime Minister Narendra Modi started his Day 2 in the United States by leading the yoga event at the United Nations building in New York on the occasion of the International Yoga Day.

Speaking at the event, PM Modi said: "Delighted to take part in the Yoga Day programme at UN

Headquarters. Let us make Yoga a part of our lives and further wellness."

"Yoga is free from copyright, patent, royalties… It is a way of life...Yoga is flexible, you can practice alone, group, learn from a teacher or self-taught... It is unifying, it is truly universal. It is for all ethnicities, faith, cultures," he said.

"About nine years ago, right here at the UN, I had the honour to propose celebrating the International Day of Yoga on 21st June," PM Modi said.

"It was wonderful to see the entire world come together to support the idea back then," he said.

The event at the north lawn of the UN building was attended by luminaries from the fields of science, art and entertainment, diplomats, academicians, technocrats and political leaders.

Among them were the New York Mayor, three-time Grammy winner Ricky Kej, singer Falguni Shah, actors Richard Gere and Priyanka Chopra and various UN officials.

Later, he would leave for Washington, where the state visit will officially begin.

In Washington, he is scheduled to attend a series of meetings and also address the historic joint session of US Congress.