Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday praised the successful organisation of the 12th International Day of Yoga celebrations in Kolkata, describing the event as “exceptional” and expressing gratitude to the people of the city for their warm hospitality and enthusiastic participation.
Leading the national observance from Kolkata’s iconic Red Road, the Prime Minister joined thousands of yoga practitioners in performing the Common Yoga Protocol as part of this year’s celebrations themed “Yoga for Healthy Ageing.”
Sharing glimpses from the celebrations, PM Modi said, “From physical wellness to inner peace, yoga enriches every aspect of life. Delighted to join this year’s celebrations in Kolkata.”
Describing the event as a remarkable success, PM Modi noted, “An exceptional Yoga Day programme was held at Kolkata’s Red Road this morning, in which people from all walks of life participated, giving an important message on the vitality of Yoga in everyone’s lives. This time, the theme was ‘Yoga For Healthy Ageing’ which emphasised the importance of Yoga in all ages to remain fit and healthy.”
“I would like to express gratitude to my sisters and brothers of Kolkata for being such outstanding hosts for this year’s Yoga Day programme. It is an honour to mark it in this vibrant city. In the run-up to Yoga Day, there were cleanliness drives across the city, which were also very inspiring. The people of Kolkata have given a big message on performing the duties of a citizen,” he added.
Addressing the gathering at Red Road, the Prime Minister extended greetings to people across India and the world on the occasion of International Yoga Day. He observed that June 21, the longest day of the year in several parts of the world, has evolved into one of humanity’s largest collective celebrations through yoga.
Highlighting yoga’s universal appeal, PM Modi said inspiring images of yoga celebrations were emerging from across the globe. He said that from the Himalayas to the Indian Ocean and from Bengal and the Northeast to Saurashtra in western India, the entire country appeared energised by the spirit of yoga.
“The country and the world seemed connected through a shared commitment to wellness and harmony, reflecting the unifying power of yoga,” he said.
The Prime Minister also commended the people of Kolkata for their participation in the “Swachhta Se Swagat” initiative, praising their commitment to cleanliness and civic responsibility.
Emphasising West Bengal’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage, PM Modi said it was particularly meaningful to celebrate Yoga Day in a state associated with spiritual luminaries such as Bhagwan Ramakrishna Paramahansa, Swami Vivekananda, Maharshi Aurobindo and Lahiri Mahasaya.
Referring to the teachings of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore and Maharshi Aurobindo, the Prime Minister said yoga embodies the idea of meaningful connections and human unity.
“Yoga is not merely a form of physical exercise and cannot be confined to any particular age group. It is a source of consciousness, vitality and inner illumination that enriches every stage of human life,” he said.
Speaking about this year’s theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” PM Modi stressed that yoga offers a pathway to remain healthy, active and energetic throughout life.
He noted that healthy ageing means ensuring that advancing years do not diminish human potential and encouraged people to pursue continuous self-improvement through yoga.
“The aspiration should be to remain more flexible at forty than at twenty, more energetic at fifty than at thirty, and more resilient to lifestyle-related diseases at seventy than at fifty,” he said, adding that yoga helps improve flexibility, maintain energy levels, reduce stress and prevent lifestyle disorders.
The Prime Minister highlighted that regular yoga practice promotes greater self-awareness and helps individuals better manage their physical and mental well-being. He emphasised that the theme of healthy ageing is relevant not only for senior citizens but for people of all ages.
Quoting the Bhagavad Gita, PM Modi underscored the importance of balance in life, saying that balanced food habits, recreation, work and rest enable yoga to become a means of overcoming suffering.
“Yoga teaches the art of living in a balanced manner. It guides individuals on what should be done and what should be avoided, helping them develop a healthier lifestyle,” he said.
The Prime Minister further stressed that yoga extends beyond physical fitness and contributes significantly to mental wellness and inner peace. He noted that yoga enables individuals to distinguish between right and wrong and fosters harmony at both personal and global levels.
“Yoga is no longer relevant only as a personal lifestyle practice; it has become a necessity for building a better future for the world,” he said.
Calling for yoga to become a way of life rather than a once-a-year observance, PM Modi urged citizens to integrate the practice into their daily routines and pass it on to future generations.
He also highlighted the success of the government’s “Yoga 365” initiative, noting that a 100-day online yoga programme under the campaign witnessed participation from more than three million people across 130 countries.
Concluding his address, the Prime Minister said that a healthy society forms the foundation of a stronger, more prosperous and self-confident nation. Invoking the ancient prayer, “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, Sarve Santu Niramayah,” he wished for the health, happiness and well-being of all.
The 12th International Day of Yoga witnessed unprecedented participation across India and abroad. More than six lakh organisations registered on the Yoga Sangam Portal, while over 210 Indian Missions coordinated celebrations at nearly 2,500 locations worldwide. In addition, the Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the Archaeological Survey of India, organised yoga events at 100 iconic heritage sites across the country, blending India’s cultural legacy with its ancient wellness traditions.
