Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday led the national celebrations of the 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) from Kolkata’s historic Red Road, joining thousands of participants in performing the Common Yoga Protocol under this year’s theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”.
The event witnessed large-scale participation from yoga practitioners, students, volunteers and members of the public, while lakhs of people across India and around the world joined the celebrations through community events and virtual platforms. West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose, Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush Prataprao Jadhav and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister extended greetings to people across the globe and noted that June 21 has evolved into one of the largest collective celebrations of humanity. He said yoga continues to unite people across countries, cultures and societies through a shared commitment to health, harmony and well-being.
“From the Himalayas to the Indian Ocean, and from Bengal to Saurashtra, the entire nation is energized by the spirit of yoga,” Modi said, adding that the ancient practice has become a powerful force for promoting unity and human connection.
Highlighting the significance of hosting the national event in West Bengal, the Prime Minister recalled the contributions of spiritual leaders and thinkers such as Swami Vivekananda and Sri Aurobindo, who helped spread India’s spiritual wisdom and yogic traditions across the world. He said Bengal’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage reflects the timeless values that yoga represents.
Focusing on this year’s theme, Modi described yoga as a holistic approach to life rather than merely a form of physical exercise. He said yoga helps individuals remain healthy, active and resilient at every stage of life by strengthening physical fitness, mental well-being and emotional balance.
The Prime Minister emphasized that many modern-day challenges stem from imbalances in lifestyle and habits. Referring to the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, he said balanced living, balanced actions and balanced habits are essential for overall well-being, and yoga provides a practical pathway towards achieving that balance.
Modi also highlighted the wider social benefits of yoga, stating that it promotes self-awareness, reduces stress and contributes to building a more peaceful and harmonious society. He noted that while yoga enriches individual lives, it also serves as a bridge for understanding and cooperation among nations.
Calling upon citizens to make yoga a daily practice, the Prime Minister urged people not to limit their engagement with yoga to a single day each year. He highlighted the government’s “Yoga 365” initiative and the 100-day online yoga programme, which recorded participation from more than 30 lakh people across 130 countries.
Welcoming the gathering, Union Ayush Minister Prataprao Jadhav said yoga has evolved into a global movement under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership. He noted that since the United Nations adopted the International Day of Yoga resolution in 2014, yoga is now celebrated in more than 180 countries.
The minister also highlighted the Ministry of Ayush’s efforts to promote yoga through outreach programmes, digital campaigns and wellness initiatives aimed at encouraging year-round participation.
According to official figures, registrations on the Yoga Sangam Portal have crossed six lakh organisations, reflecting unprecedented public participation. Internationally, more than 210 Indian missions have organised yoga events at nearly 2,500 locations worldwide through the coordinated efforts of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).
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.
The nationwide and global participation once again underscored yoga’s growing relevance as a movement for health, wellness and collective well-being.
