Marking the 11th International Day of Yoga, Prime Minister Narendra Modi led a mass yoga event in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, emphasizing yoga's potential to foster peace in a world grappling with conflict. The event, held along a sprawling 26-kilometer stretch from Ramakrishna Beach to Bhogapuram, saw the participation of over three lakh people, alongside Union Minister of State for Ayush, Prataprao Jadhav, and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. The theme for this year's Yoga Day, "Yoga for One Earth, One Health," underscores the interconnectedness of individual well-being and the health of the planet, echoing the ancient Indian ethos of "Sarve Santu Niramaya" – may all be free from disease.
Addressing the gathering, PM Modi highlighted yoga's universal appeal, transcending boundaries, backgrounds, age, and abilities. He emphasized that yoga has become an integral part of the lives of millions worldwide. The Prime Minister also noted the widespread support for the International Day of Yoga, recalling the historic moment when India proposed the resolution at the United Nations General Assembly in 2014. He expressed pride that 175 nations quickly backed the initiative, showcasing yoga's unifying power on the global stage.
The Prime Minister underscored that in a world facing unrest, yoga serves as a "pause button," offering humanity a chance to breathe and find inner peace. This sentiment resonates deeply in the context of ongoing conflicts and tensions across the globe. Yoga, with its emphasis on mindfulness, breath control, and physical postures, provides a pathway to regulate emotions, enhance self-awareness, and promote physiological homeostasis, particularly in stressful situations. By fostering inner calm and reducing stress, yoga can equip individuals with the resilience and emotional intelligence needed to navigate conflicts constructively.
Beyond individual benefits, yoga can also contribute to peace at a community and global level. The practice cultivates qualities like positive thinking, compassion, and respect for oneself and others, all of which are essential for peaceful coexistence. Yoga's emphasis on unity and interconnectedness can help break down barriers and foster understanding between people from different backgrounds.
The International Day of Yoga celebrations extended beyond Visakhapatnam, with events organized across India and around the world. The "Yoga Sangam" initiative synchronized Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) sessions at over 10 lakh locations nationwide. In Delhi, a grand program was held at the historic Red Fort, highlighting the theme "Yoga for One Earth, One Health." The Andhra Pradesh government coordinated a Guinness World Record attempt and distributed over 50 lakh yoga certificates to registered participants. Furthermore, a Surya Namaskar program at Andhra University saw the participation of 25,000 tribal children.
The widespread participation in International Day of Yoga events demonstrates the growing recognition of yoga's potential to promote individual and collective well-being. As PM Modi emphasized, yoga is more than just a physical exercise; it is a holistic practice that can cultivate inner peace, foster compassion, and contribute to a more harmonious world. In a conflict-ridden world, the message of yoga – unity, peace, and well-being for all – is more relevant than ever.
