Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the national observance of the 12th International Day of Yoga from Kolkata’s iconic Red Road on Sunday, joining thousands of yoga practitioners in performing the Common Yoga Protocol and reaffirming yoga’s role as a transformative force for individual well-being and global unity.
Extending his greetings to people across India and the world, the Prime Minister noted that June 21, which marks the longest day of the year in many parts of the world, has evolved into one of humanity’s largest collective celebrations through yoga. He observed that yoga has transcended geographical, cultural and linguistic boundaries, bringing together millions of people in a shared pursuit of health, balance and inner peace.
Addressing the gathering, Modi said inspiring scenes of yoga practice were being witnessed across the globe. From the Himalayas to the Indian Ocean, and from the eastern and northeastern regions of India to the western shores of Saurashtra, he said the entire nation appeared united and energized by the spirit of yoga. He remarked that yoga has become a powerful symbol of harmony, connecting people across continents through a common commitment to wellness and holistic living.
The Prime Minister also lauded the people of Kolkata for their efforts under the “Swachhta Se Swagat” initiative, stating that their dedication to cleanliness and civic responsibility had become an example for the rest of the country. He praised citizens for actively contributing to the creation of a cleaner and healthier environment, emphasizing that public participation remains essential for national development.
Highlighting the significance of hosting the celebration in West Bengal, Modi said the state occupies a special place in India’s spiritual and cultural heritage. He recalled that Bengal was the land of great spiritual luminaries such as Ramakrishna Paramahansa, whose teachings inspired generations; Swami Vivekananda, who introduced India’s spiritual wisdom and yoga traditions to the world stage; and Sri Aurobindo and Lahiri Mahasaya, who made profound contributions to the advancement of yogic thought and practice.
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Drawing upon the teachings of Rabindranath Tagore, Modi said true human identity is shaped through meaningful connections with the world around us, a principle that lies at the very heart of yoga. He also referred to Sri Aurobindo’s belief that “the whole of life is yoga,” observing that when yoga becomes a natural part of one’s life, it strengthens the foundations of human unity and social harmony.
According to a PIB release, the Prime Minister emphasized that yoga is much more than a form of physical exercise. Describing it as a source of consciousness, vitality and inner illumination, he said yoga enriches every stage of human life and cannot be confined to any particular age group. According to him, yoga nurtures both the body and mind while fostering emotional balance and spiritual growth.
Referring to this year’s International Day of Yoga theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” Modi highlighted the growing relevance of yoga in promoting longevity, physical fitness and mental well-being. He stated that healthy ageing does not merely mean living longer, but living with energy, purpose and dignity. Yoga, he said, offers individuals the tools needed to remain active, productive and resilient throughout their lives.
The Prime Minister stressed that advancing age should not diminish a person’s potential. Instead, he said, yoga encourages continuous growth and self-improvement. He expressed the aspiration that individuals should strive to be more flexible at forty than they were at twenty, more energetic at fifty than at thirty, and more resistant to lifestyle-related diseases at seventy than they were at fifty.
He observed that regular yoga practice improves flexibility, sustains energy levels, reduces stress and strengthens mental health while helping prevent lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disorders. According to Modi, yoga enables individuals to become lifelong learners of their own bodies and minds, leading to greater self-awareness and healthier living.
The Prime Minister underlined that the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing” is relevant not only to senior citizens but to people of all age groups. He described yoga as a lifelong companion that supports health, well-being and personal growth from childhood through old age.
Quoting from the Bhagavad Gita, Modi said balanced food habits, balanced recreation, balanced actions and balanced sleep are essential for making yoga an effective means of overcoming suffering. He noted that balance forms the core philosophy of yoga and is equally important in leading a fulfilling and meaningful life.
“Yoga teaches us the art of living in balance,” he said, adding that it guides individuals in making wise choices about what should be done and what should be avoided. Such discipline, he noted, helps cultivate healthier lifestyles and contributes to long-term physical and emotional well-being.
The Prime Minister further emphasized that yoga extends beyond physical fitness and serves as a pathway from mental wellness to overall wellness. Referring to the concept of “Yukta Chestasya Karmasu,” he said yoga develops the wisdom needed to distinguish between right and wrong and helps individuals make informed and responsible decisions.
According to Modi, this awareness becomes a source of inner peace while also contributing to global harmony. He remarked that yoga is no longer merely a personal lifestyle choice but has emerged as a necessity for building a healthier, more peaceful and sustainable future for the world.
Calling for a renewed commitment to yoga, the Prime Minister urged people not to limit their practice to a single day or annual celebration. Instead, he encouraged individuals to make yoga an integral part of their daily lives and pass on its benefits to future generations.
Modi also highlighted the success of the “Yoga 365” initiative launched this year. Under the programme, a 100-day online yoga campaign was conducted, attracting unprecedented global participation. He informed that more than three million people from 130 countries joined the initiative, reflecting yoga’s growing international acceptance and popularity.
Concluding his address, the Prime Minister said that a healthy society forms the foundation of a strong, prosperous and self-confident nation. He expressed hope that yoga would continue to inspire people towards healthier lifestyles and stronger communities. Invoking the ancient prayer “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, Sarve Santu Niramayah” (May all be happy, may all be free from illness), Modi wished for the health, happiness and well-being of all humanity.
