Modi: Yoga Connects All, A Must For Global Peace, Better Future Of The World
21 Jun 2026 8:38 PM IST21 Jun 2026 8:38 PM IST
The PM observed, “In India, we have seen it as an expression of the human spirit with consciousness. That is why this year's theme has been made: Yoga for healthy aging. We can stay healthy, active and youthful despite aging. Yoga shows us the way for this. When we speak for Yoga for healthy aging, it means that we can work to ensure Age does not reduce human potential. Yoga can help human life to aspire for constant growth”
Mr Modi told the participants, “June 21 happens to be the longest day of the year in some parts of the earth. This day has also become a festive day globally on the occasion of International Yoga Day. Various pictures of Yoga are pouring in from different parts of the world. From North to South and East to West, an inspiration for Yoga is seen in India. The entire country and the world look connected. This is the power of Yoga. Yoga connects all and brings all together.” — X.com
Kolkata, New Delhi: India celebrated the 12th International Yoga Day (IDY) on Sunday with President Droupadi Murmu, vice-president C.P. Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union ministers, chief ministers and the armed forces, among hundreds and thousands of others, performing yoga asanas at different locations across the country. to mark the occasion.
While the Prime Minister, along with thousands of people, participated in the IDY event at Kolkata's iconic Red Road, the President led the “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”-themed celebrations in Madhya Pradesh, performing asanas at the state-level event in Jabalpur. The V-P participated in Leh, joining hundreds of yoga enthusiasts at Astro Turf Stadium in Spituk.
After leading the celebration in Kolkata, Modi called yoga a way to “connect all” and “a must for global peace and a better future of the world". West Bengal governor R.N. Ravi, chief minister Suvendu Adhikari, and foreign dignitaries, among others, also attended.
Sharing his thoughts, Modi told the participants, "June 21, which marks the longest day on earth, has now become the largest community celebration day because of yoga. Yoga brings people together. I congratulate the people of the world on this occasion," he said, adding, "From north to south and east to west, an inspiration for yoga is seen in India. The entire country and the world look connected. This is the power of yoga. Yoga connects all and brings all together.”
“I convey my greetings on the occasion to the entire world and universal humanity. I also appreciate the people of Kolkata for hosting the event with cleanliness," Modi said, adding, "Yoga means connectivity. When yoga becomes a habit, it takes a shape of humane unity. Yoga is not just a physical exercise. It is also not restricted to any age group.”
Referring to this year's IDY theme — Yoga for healthy ageing —Modi said the ancient practice plays a crucial role in promoting physical health, mental well-being and active ageing, thereby improving the quality of life. "Our target is to be more flexible at 40 than we were at 20. We aim to be more energetic at 50 than we were at 30. Our target must be to be more resistant to lifestyle-related diseases at 70 than we were at 50. This is where yoga can help us," he added.
Describing yoga as “India's invaluable gift to humankind, nourishing holistic well-being", Union home minister Amit Shah performed exercises at an event in Ahmedabad. Gujarat chief minister Bhupendra Patel participated in the state-level yoga event at Mansa town in Gandhinagar district.
Acknowledging the nature of parliamentary debates, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said while differences of opinion are natural in Parliament, yoga shows the path of dialogue and self-restraint. Birla led a yoga session with members of Parliament within the Parliament House complex, calling for a nationwide public health revolution.
From the icy heights of Siachen Glacier to the vast Rann of Kutch, and from the hills of the Northeast to naval platforms at sea, the armed forces observed the International Day of Yoga across the country, reaffirming their commitment to physical fitness and mental resilience.
Defence minister Rajnath Singh led the celebrations in Shillong. Accompanied by IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh and other air warriors, Singh took part in a yoga session hosted by the Eastern Air Command.
Chief of Defence Staff Gen. N.S. Raja Subramani led the Yoga Day celebrations organised by Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff at the National War Memorial in Delhi. Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi fronted the celebrations with troops in Tezpur, Assam.
In the national capital, the Indian Army hosted the event at the Cariappa Parade Ground at Delhi Cantonment. Defence attaches from more than 17 countries also joined the event, reflecting the global significance of yoga and its growing acceptance as a path to health, harmony and well-being, the Army official said.
Yoga events were held at various Army commands -- Northern, Western, Eastern, Southern, Central and South Western. Naval platforms and the Indian Coast Guard's ships at sea and in harbour also took part in the celebrations.
The Indian Air Force too organised a host of events spanning its multiple commands, from the Western Air Command in Delhi to the Southern Air Command in Thiruvananthapuram.
After leading the celebration in Kolkata, Modi called yoga a way to “connect all” and “a must for global peace and a better future of the world". West Bengal governor R.N. Ravi, chief minister Suvendu Adhikari, and foreign dignitaries, among others, also attended.
Sharing his thoughts, Modi told the participants, "June 21, which marks the longest day on earth, has now become the largest community celebration day because of yoga. Yoga brings people together. I congratulate the people of the world on this occasion," he said, adding, "From north to south and east to west, an inspiration for yoga is seen in India. The entire country and the world look connected. This is the power of yoga. Yoga connects all and brings all together.”
“I convey my greetings on the occasion to the entire world and universal humanity. I also appreciate the people of Kolkata for hosting the event with cleanliness," Modi said, adding, "Yoga means connectivity. When yoga becomes a habit, it takes a shape of humane unity. Yoga is not just a physical exercise. It is also not restricted to any age group.”
Referring to this year's IDY theme — Yoga for healthy ageing —Modi said the ancient practice plays a crucial role in promoting physical health, mental well-being and active ageing, thereby improving the quality of life. "Our target is to be more flexible at 40 than we were at 20. We aim to be more energetic at 50 than we were at 30. Our target must be to be more resistant to lifestyle-related diseases at 70 than we were at 50. This is where yoga can help us," he added.
Describing yoga as “India's invaluable gift to humankind, nourishing holistic well-being", Union home minister Amit Shah performed exercises at an event in Ahmedabad. Gujarat chief minister Bhupendra Patel participated in the state-level yoga event at Mansa town in Gandhinagar district.
Acknowledging the nature of parliamentary debates, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said while differences of opinion are natural in Parliament, yoga shows the path of dialogue and self-restraint. Birla led a yoga session with members of Parliament within the Parliament House complex, calling for a nationwide public health revolution.
From the icy heights of Siachen Glacier to the vast Rann of Kutch, and from the hills of the Northeast to naval platforms at sea, the armed forces observed the International Day of Yoga across the country, reaffirming their commitment to physical fitness and mental resilience.
Defence minister Rajnath Singh led the celebrations in Shillong. Accompanied by IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh and other air warriors, Singh took part in a yoga session hosted by the Eastern Air Command.
Chief of Defence Staff Gen. N.S. Raja Subramani led the Yoga Day celebrations organised by Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff at the National War Memorial in Delhi. Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi fronted the celebrations with troops in Tezpur, Assam.
In the national capital, the Indian Army hosted the event at the Cariappa Parade Ground at Delhi Cantonment. Defence attaches from more than 17 countries also joined the event, reflecting the global significance of yoga and its growing acceptance as a path to health, harmony and well-being, the Army official said.
Yoga events were held at various Army commands -- Northern, Western, Eastern, Southern, Central and South Western. Naval platforms and the Indian Coast Guard's ships at sea and in harbour also took part in the celebrations.
The Indian Air Force too organised a host of events spanning its multiple commands, from the Western Air Command in Delhi to the Southern Air Command in Thiruvananthapuram.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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