Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the International Day of Yoga has evolved into the world’s biggest festival, as he led the nation in observing the 12th International Day of Yoga from Kolkata’s
Red Road.
Addressing a large gathering during the celebrations, PM Modi highlighted the global participation in Yoga Day events and said the occasion has grown into a massive collective movement that transcends national boundaries.
“Yoga day has become the world’s biggest festival, visuals are coming from different parts of the world,” the Prime Minister said while addressing the gathering.
He noted that June 21 holds special significance as it is the longest day of the year in several parts of the world.
The Prime Minister said the date has acquired an additional global identity because of the International Day of Yoga.
“June 21, in some parts of the Earth, is the day with the longest duration of daylight in the year. And because of International Yoga Day, this day, June 21, has also become the day of the world’s largest collective celebration,” he said.
Emphasising yoga’s ability to connect people across regions and cultures, the Prime Minister said, “Yoga unites us. I congratulate everyone on Yog Diwas.”
He also praised a civic initiative undertaken in Kolkata and said it could serve as an example for others.
“I congratulate Kolkata for their Swachta se Swagat initiative. This is an inspiration for everyone,” PM Modi said.
Speaking about the enthusiasm surrounding Yoga Day celebrations across India, the Prime Minister said the spirit of yoga was visible throughout the country.
“In India, from the Himalayas to the Indian Ocean, from the Northeast and Bengal in the east to Saurashtra in the west, the entire country seems to be filled with the energy of yoga,” he said.
PM Modi also extended greetings to participants and citizens observing the occasion worldwide.
“Yoga unites us. I congratulate everyone on Yog Diwas,” he said.
He later reiterated his appreciation, saying, “I extend my best wishes. On the occasion of Yoga Day, especially in Kolkata and across Bengal, I would also appreciate the efforts of the people of Kolkata for cleanliness and yoga.”
Elaborating on the theme ‘Yoga for Healthy Ageing’, PM Modi said yoga enables individuals to unlock their potential regardless of age.
“Our target must be to be more flexible at 40 than we were at 20. Our target must be more energetic at 50 than we were at 30. Our target must be to be more resistant to lifestyle diseases at 70 than we were at 50. This is where Yoga can help us,” he said.
“It helps us tune our bodies to be flexible. It keeps our energy level high. It also helps us maintain a calm, stress-free life and keep lifestyle diseases at bay. Moreover, with regular practice, Yoga teaches us to remain lifelong learners of our bodies and minds. The more we know about ourselves, the better we can manage ourselves,” he said.
The Prime Minister stressed that the theme should not be viewed only through the lens of elderly care.
“Therefore, Yoga for healthy ageing, this theme must be seen as one for people of all ages, not just for the elderly,” he said.
This year’s International Day of Yoga is being observed under the theme ‘Yoga for Healthy Ageing’, which highlights yoga’s role in promoting physical health, mental well-being, emotional resilience and active ageing.
According to an official statement, PM Modi participated in the common yoga protocol session along with thousands of yoga practitioners at Red Road in central Kolkata.
Yoga Day celebrations are being organised at nearly 2,500 locations worldwide, with participation from more than 210 Indian missions and posts.
Since the International Day of Yoga was first observed in 2015, following the adoption of India’s proposal by the United Nations General Assembly, the Prime Minister has led celebrations from various locations in India and abroad.
This year’s event in Kolkata marked the 12th edition of the global observance.
