As the Bhagwad Gita describes, ‘Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self’.
June 21, celebrated as International Yoga Day, is not less than a reminder for individuals to divert their attention on their health too – probably one of the most important components of human life. Taking this a notch further, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday morning, stated that yoga has become an integral part of life for crores of people around the world, transcending boundaries and evolving into a global movement for health, peace, and harmony.
The Prime Minister participated in the 11th International Yoga Day celebrations at a grand event in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, held under the theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health.”
In his address, PM Narendra Modi described Yoga as a ‘pause button that humanity needs to breathe, balance, and become whole again’.
Around five lakh participants joined the mass yoga session along a 26-kilometre-long stretch along the beachline in Vizag. Alongside PM Modi, Andhra Pradesh Governor S. Abdul Nazeer, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan also participated in the event at RK Beach. Addressing the large gathering, the ardent yoga believer and enthusiast, PM Modi emphasized on the growing global affinity for yoga and its power to unite humanity across cultures, geographies, and generations.
The Prime Minister fondly recalled India’s proposal to the United Nations in 2014 to declare June 21 as International Yoga Day — a motion that received unprecedented support from 175 countries within a short span, reflecting the recognition of yoga as a fitness approach with a universal appeal. Yoga can work for everyone – regardless of place, background, age, or ability. It goes beyond physical exercise and serves a path to holistic well-being, mental clarity, and spiritual strength. This ancient one stop solution is an invaluable gift from India’s glorious history to mankind all over.
Yoga is now practiced in as many as 175 countries and contributes significantly to both physical and mental health. In fact, Rishikesh, a pious city in Uttarakhand is claimed as the ‘Yoga Capital’ of the world. With the advent of technological innovations, artificial intelligence (AI) is making yoga more accessible and bringing it closer to everyone. It works not just as an exercise but as an initiation, a mission, and a demonstration of strength. This unprecedented popularity has been achieved over the years, with continual intervention made through Prime Minister’s initiatives.
Yoga is not just beneficial for individual health, but also for works to build a healthy community and a healthier planet.
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