Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday led the national celebrations of the 12th International Day of Yoga at Kolkata’s historic Red Road, joining thousands of participants in performing the Common Yoga Protocol and urging people to make yoga an integral part of their daily lives.
Observed under the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”, this year’s celebrations witnessed enthusiastic participation across India and around the world. The event was attended by West Bengal governor R. N. Ravi, chief minister Suvendu Adhikari, Union Minister of State for Ayush Prataprao Jadhav and other dignitaries.
Addressing the gathering, PM Modi extended greetings to people across the globe and highlighted how June 21 has evolved into one of the world’s largest collective celebrations.
“Yoga has the unique power to connect people, societies and nations,” the Prime Minister said, adding that people from different countries, cultures and backgrounds have come together through the practice of yoga.
He noted that from the Himalayas to the Indian Ocean, and from Bengal to Saurashtra, the entire country was immersed in the spirit of yoga, demonstrating its growing acceptance as a way of life.
Yoga for Healthy Ageing
Emphasising the significance of this year’s theme, PM Modi said yoga is not merely a form of physical exercise but a holistic approach to life that promotes vitality, resilience and well-being at every stage of life.
“Yoga helps us remain healthy, active and energetic as we age,” he said, adding that the practice supports physical flexibility, mental balance and emotional strength while encouraging healthier lifestyles.
Referring to the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of balance in daily life. He observed that many modern health challenges arise from lifestyle imbalances and that yoga offers a practical pathway toward harmony, discipline and inner peace.
Highlighting yoga’s broader impact, PM Modi said its benefits extend beyond personal health.
“Yoga is not just for personal well-being; it is also a pathway to global peace,” he said, noting that the practice promotes self-awareness, reduces stress and strengthens understanding and cooperation among people.
Call to Make Yoga a Daily Habit
The Prime Minister urged citizens not to restrict yoga to a single annual observance.
“Let us not limit Yoga to a single day; let us make it a part of everyday life,” he said while highlighting the Centre’s ‘Yoga 365’ initiative.
He also referred to the recently concluded 100-day online yoga programme, which attracted participation from over 30 lakh people across 130 countries, underscoring yoga’s growing global appeal.
Concluding his address, PM Modi expressed confidence that wider adoption of yoga would contribute to building a healthier, stronger and more self-reliant society. He ended with the prayer, “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, Sarve Santu Niramayah” (May all be happy, may all be free from illness).
Bengal Celebrates Yoga with Enthusiasm
Welcoming the Prime Minister, CM Adhikari described it as a matter of pride for West Bengal to host the national celebration of International Day of Yoga.
He said the event had generated unprecedented enthusiasm across West Bengal, with people from Darjeeling, Digha, Cooch Behar and other districts actively participating in yoga programmes and celebrations.
Highlighting Bengal’s spiritual heritage, CM Adhikari recalled the contributions of great thinkers such as Swami Vivekananda, whose teachings helped spread the message of yoga and holistic development across the world.
Yoga Becomes a Global Movement
Addressing the gathering, Jadhav said that under PM Modi’s leadership, yoga has evolved into a truly global movement for health and wellness.
He noted that since the United Nations adopted India’s proposal to observe International Day of Yoga in 2014, the event is now celebrated in more than 180 countries.
Jadhav said the ‘Yoga 365’ initiative aims to encourage citizens to practise yoga throughout the year rather than treating it as a one-day event. He also highlighted the Ayush Ministry’s efforts to expand access to traditional wellness systems and strengthen India’s health ecosystem.
Massive Participation Across India and the World
The celebrations witnessed participation from yoga practitioners, students, volunteers, community organisations and members of the public at Kolkata’s Red Road, while lakhs of people joined events through community programmes and virtual platforms across the country.
According to official figures, registrations on the Yoga Sangam portal crossed six lakh organisations, reflecting the growing popularity of yoga as a people’s movement.
Internationally, more than 210 Indian Missions coordinated yoga events at nearly 2,500 locations worldwide through the efforts of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, demonstrating yoga’s expanding global reach.
Adding a cultural dimension to the celebrations, the Ministry of Culture and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) organised special yoga sessions at 100 iconic heritage sites across the country, linking India’s rich cultural legacy with its ancient wellness traditions.
