Marking the 11th International Day of Yoga, Prime Minister Narendra Modi led celebrations from Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, emphasizing yoga's unifying power and its potential to foster global well-being. The theme for this year, "Yoga for One Earth, One Health," resonated throughout the events, highlighting the interconnectedness of personal and planetary health.
Addressing the large gathering in Visakhapatnam, where an estimated 3 lakh people participated along a 26-kilometer stretch from Ramakrishna Beach to Bhogapuram, PM Modi articulated a vision for the future, calling for "Yoga for Humanity 2.0." He envisioned a world where inner peace, cultivated through the practice of yoga, influences and shapes global policy. He underscored that yoga transcends boundaries, backgrounds, age, and ability, making it accessible to all.
PM Modi described yoga as "the pause button humanity needs… to breathe, to balance, to become whole again." He acknowledged the rising violence and unrest across the globe, stating that "Unfortunately, today the entire world is going through some tension, unrest, and instability have been increasing in many regions. In such times, Yoga gives us the direction of peace". He highlighted yoga's capacity to instill personal discipline and foster harmony with the world.
The Prime Minister also reflected on yoga's journey onto the global stage. He recalled India's proposal at the United Nations General Assembly to recognize June 21st as International Yoga Day, noting the overwhelming support received from 175 countries. He remarked, "In a very short time, 175 countries stood with India. Such unity and support in today's world is truly extraordinary".
Echoing PM Modi's sentiments, King Charles, in a message read by the Indian High Commissioner to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami, noted yoga's increasing popularity in the United Kingdom. He affirmed that the annual celebration promotes global principles of unity, compassion, and wellbeing.
The International Day of Yoga was celebrated across the globe. From London to New York, people gathered in large numbers to participate in yoga sessions and celebrate Indian wellness traditions. In India, events were held at over 1 lakh locations, with the "Yoga Sangam" initiative synchronizing the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) across these venues. ITBP personnel performed Yoga at an altitude of over 14,000 feet by the Pangong Tso Lake.
Union Health Minister JP Nadda, speaking at an event in Delhi, emphasized the global impact of yoga, noting its significant contribution to physical and mental well-being and self-awareness.
The Ministry of AYUSH played a crucial role in maximizing participation, organizing countdown events and thematic programs leading up to the International Day of Yoga. These included "Yoga Sangam," "Yoga Bandhan," and "Yoga Unplugged," each designed to amplify the narrative of yoga and engage specific segments of society.
As the world embraces "Yoga for One Earth, One Health," the vision of "Yoga for Humanity 2.0," championed by PM Modi, calls for a deeper integration of inner peace and global policy.
