Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the worldwide celebrations on the International Day of Yoga from Visakhapatnam, extending greetings to people across India and the world on the occasion of the 11th edition that was observed on Saturday.
The International Day of Yoga is observed in recognition of yoga around the world on June 21 following its adoption by the United Nations in 2014. In his address to the UN General Assembly in 2014, PM Modi had proposed for Yoga to be celebrated internationally every year on the day
The PM said that 11 years on, yoga has become an integral part of the lifestyle of millions across the globe. “Yoga is for everyone and for all, beyond boundaries, beyond backgrounds, beyond age or ability. India teaches the value of ‘sarve bhavantu sukhinah’—the happiness and well-being of all is a sacred responsibility.”
Speaking about this year’s theme—Yoga for One Earth, One Health—the PM said it conveys a fundamental truth that the wellbeing of all life on Earth is interconnected.
“Yoga helps awaken us to this deep connection and guides us toward unity with the world. It teaches us we are not isolated individuals but integral parts of nature. Initially, we learn to care for our own health and wellness, but gradually, this care expands to our environment, society, and the planet. Yoga is a profound personal discipline that, at the same time, serves as a collective system – one that transitions individuals from me to we,” he said.
Health Minister JP Nadda who observed the day at the Kartavya Path said since 2015, yoga has found global acceptance as a holistic approach to well-being,” crediting the PM for making that happen.
“Yoga not only improves people’s health and fitness but also enhances mental clarity and emotional regulation, contributing to more balanced and fulfilling life.
“It is due to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts that Yoga Day is being celebrated internationally today. During his address to the UN General Assembly in 2014, the Prime Minister had proposed for Yoga to be celebrated internationally every year on 21st June, which was backed by over 170 countries.. Since 2015, yoga has found global acceptance as a holistic approach to well-being. Yoga not only improves people’s health and fitness but also enhances mental clarity and emotional regulation, contributing to more balanced and fulfilling life,” he said
Political leaders, including Union ministers and chief ministers, Armed Forces personnel and corporate heads, observed the day.
Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh led the Armed Forces by performing various asanas and breathing exercises with around 2,500 soldiers at Northern Command in Udhampur. He also credited PM Modi for popularising yoga globally. Highlighting that the practice provides a holistic approach to health and wellbeing, he termed yoga a universal solution to the problems faced by people in today’s fast-paced world such as stress, anxiety and depression.
“Yoga gives clarity to the people in chaos. It is an art, a science, a philosophy, and spirituality. Those who practice Yoga in their daily lives have control over their body and mind. It makes us proactive, not reactive,” Raksha Mantri said.
Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav
and Anupriya Singh Patel called yoga an invaluable gift of Indian culture, which has given the whole world the direction to live a healthy life.
