Yoga-loving Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has enticed his millions of fans by dropping videos of him doing yoga during the ongoing COVID-19 lockdown which has forced people to stay indoors. However, the catch is, the videos are not of Modi himself performing the yoga, rather a 3D image of Modi doing the exercises.
I am neither a fitness expert nor a medical expert. Practising Yoga has been an integral part of my life for many years and I have found it beneficial. I am sure many of you also have other ways of remaining fit, which you also must share with others.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 30, 2020
The videos of the Modi-like 3D image doing various yoga poses has led to an avalanche of reactions on Twitter, with some calling it an “attention-seeking” tactic and others taking a dig at him over the condition of poor people amid the lockdown.
Can we please get 3D images of our honourable prime minister working towards helping the poor and unemployed?
— Kashish Bansal (@kashishhhbansal) March 30, 2020
— छोटा doctor💧 (@CHOTESA50699707) March 30, 2020
Even Nero wasn't such a narcissist!
— Iconoclast | غیر عقائد (@kaarT00S) March 30, 2020
Millions (poor) are also practicing along the different indian state borders and he's busy doing PR stunt. "Sharam inko magar aati nahi"
— Amir (@Amirnazir41) March 30, 2020
However, several others praised Modi for sharing his routine amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Thank you for sharing these inspiring videos Sir, it will encourage many. A daily routine that includes yoga & meditation does help to keep the mind & body fit, especially at such critical times.
— Dr. Suchitra Raghavachari (@DrSRaghavachari) March 30, 2020
Sir, You may not be an expert for fitness. But You have become a symbol of fitness and made Yoga a symbol for peace, harmony and progress. They way you are working in the age of 68yrs with full energy and dedication, It inspires every indian to be fit and do something for Nation
— NishantS🇮🇳 (@nishants79) March 30, 2020
Responding to questions in his monthly radio address to the nation “Mann Ki Baat” on Sunday, Modi promised to share his routine after he was asked by a listener about his physical well-being amid the lockdown.
"I will post videos on social media on what I do. Maybe you can use the videos. I am not a fitness expert, nor a yoga teacher. I am only a yoga practitioner. Maybe these will help you during the corona lockdown", he said on Sunday.
During his address, Modi also apologised to citizens for imposing the 21-day lockdown that led to the mass exodus of millions of people from cities to their native towns.
“I would firstly like to seek forgiveness from all my countrymen", Modi said. "I know some of you will be angry with me. But these tough measures were needed to win this battle".
Earlier this month, Harvard Medical School published an article in which the author suggested yoga to cope with anxiety during this challenging period. Author Dr John Sharp said: "sometimes trying new things and discovering new activities you can benefit from and enjoy can be a welcome, healthy distraction. Yoga Studio and Pocket Yoga are good apps to consider".
