Prime Minister Modi Leads 12th International Day of Yoga Celebrations at Kolkata’s Red Road

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi led the national observance of the 12th International Day of Yoga at Red Road in Kolkata, joining thousands of yoga practitioners in the Common Yoga Protocol session. Extending greetings to people across India and the world, the Prime Minister said that June 21, known as the longest day of the year in many parts of the globe, has now become one of humanity’s largest collective celebrations of health, balance and inner harmony.

Addressing the gathering in Kolkata, Shri Modi said that the spirit of yoga was visible across the nation and beyond. From the Himalayas to the Indian Ocean, from Bengal and the Northeast to Saurashtra in the west, he said the entire country appeared united through the practice of yoga. He observed that the global celebration reflected yoga’s unique ability to connect people through a shared commitment to wellness, discipline and peace.

The Prime Minister also appreciated the people of Kolkata for their participation in the “Swachhta Se Swagat” initiative. He said the civic responsibility, hard work and dedication shown by citizens in maintaining cleanliness had set an inspiring example for the rest of the country.

Highlighting the significance of celebrating Yoga Day in West Bengal, Shri Modi said the state holds a special place in India’s spiritual and cultural journey. He recalled Bengal’s association with Bhagwan Ramakrishna Paramahansa, Swami Vivekananda, Maharshi Aurobindo and Lahiri Mahasaya, all of whom contributed deeply to India’s spiritual and yogic traditions. He said Swami Vivekananda carried India’s wisdom to the world, while Maharshi Aurobindo gave profound expression to the idea that the whole of life is yoga.

Referring to Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore’s teachings, the Prime Minister said true human identity is shaped through meaningful connection with the world around us. He said this idea lies at the heart of yoga, which builds unity between the individual, society, nature and the wider world.

Shri Modi emphasised that yoga is far more than physical exercise. It is a source of awareness, vitality and inner light that enriches every stage of life. Referring to this year’s International Day of Yoga theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” he said yoga provides a path to staying healthy, active and energetic as one grows older.

The Prime Minister said healthy ageing means ensuring that age never becomes a barrier to human potential. Yoga, he noted, encourages continuous growth, discipline and self-improvement throughout life. He said people should aspire to be more flexible at forty than they were at twenty, more energetic at fifty than they were at thirty, and more resilient against lifestyle disorders at seventy than they were at fifty.

He said regular yoga practice improves flexibility, sustains energy, reduces stress, supports mental well-being and helps prevent lifestyle-related diseases. According to the Prime Minister, yoga turns individuals into lifelong learners of their own bodies and minds. Greater self-awareness, he said, leads to better self-management and healthier living.

Shri Modi added that the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing” is relevant not only for the elderly, but for people of every age group. Yoga, he said, should be treated as a lifelong companion in the pursuit of health, balance and personal growth.

Quoting the Bhagavad Gita, the Prime Minister said balanced food, balanced recreation, balanced actions, and balanced sleep and wakefulness enable yoga to become a means of overcoming suffering. He said balance is the foundation of yoga and also the foundation of a meaningful life. Yoga teaches the art of living with discipline, moderation and awareness, guiding individuals towards healthier choices.

The Prime Minister further said that yoga creates a pathway from mental wellness to physical wellness. Referring to the phrase “Yukta Chestasya Karmasu,” he said yoga helps people develop the wisdom to distinguish right action from harmful habits. Such awareness, he observed, becomes a source of inner peace and contributes to global harmony.

Shri Modi said yoga has now moved beyond the sphere of personal lifestyle and has become essential for building a healthier and more peaceful future for the world. While millions participate in Yoga Day events every year, he said the occasion should also renew the collective commitment to making yoga part of everyday life.

He urged people to ensure that yoga remains not just a one-day event, but becomes a permanent part of their lives, their families and future generations.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the progress of the “Yoga 365” initiative. He said a 100-day online yoga programme conducted under the initiative witnessed remarkable public participation, with more than three million people from 130 countries joining the programme. He said this reflected the growing global acceptance and popularity of yoga.

Concluding his address, Shri Modi said a healthy society forms the foundation of a stronger, more prosperous and more confident nation. Extending his wishes for the well-being of all, he invoked the ancient prayer, “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, Sarve Santu Niramayah” — may all be happy, may all be free from illness.

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Source: PIB

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