Kolkata: Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the national celebrations of the 12th International Day of Yoga from Red Road in Kolkata, West Bengal, on Sunday. Joining thousands of yoga practitioners in the Common Yoga Protocol session, the Prime Minister extended greetings to people across the world and emphasized yoga’s role in promoting health, harmony, and human unity.
Addressing the gathering, Modi said that inspiring scenes of Yoga Day celebrations were being witnessed across the globe. He noted that from the Himalayas to the Indian Ocean and from Bengal and the Northeast to western India, the entire nation was united by the spirit of yoga.
The Prime Minister praised the people of Kolkata for their efforts under the “Swachhta Se Swagat” initiative, saying their commitment to cleanliness had become an inspiration for the rest of the country.
Highlighting West Bengal’s rich spiritual heritage, Modi recalled the contributions of Ramakrishna Paramahansa, Swami Vivekananda, Sri Aurobindo, and Lahiri Mahasaya to India’s spiritual and yogic traditions. He said yoga is not merely a form of exercise but a source of consciousness, vitality, and inner enlightenment that benefits people at every stage of life.
Referring to this year’s theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” the Prime Minister said yoga helps people remain healthy, active, and energetic as they grow older. He stressed that healthy ageing means ensuring that advancing years do not limit human potential and that yoga encourages continuous growth and self-improvement throughout life.
Modi said regular yoga practice improves flexibility, maintains energy levels, reduces stress, and helps prevent lifestyle-related diseases. He added that yoga promotes self-awareness, which in turn leads to better self-management and healthier living.
Quoting the Bhagavad Gita, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of balance in food habits, recreation, work, and sleep, describing balance as the foundation of both yoga and a fulfilling life. He said yoga teaches the art of living in harmony and helps individuals make better choices.
The Prime Minister also noted that yoga goes beyond physical fitness and serves as a pathway from mental well-being to physical well-being. He said yoga fosters inner peace and contributes to global harmony, making it essential not only as a personal practice but also for building a better future for humanity.
Calling on people to make yoga a permanent part of their daily lives, Modi said the International Day of Yoga should serve as an opportunity to renew the collective commitment towards wellness and healthy living.
He also highlighted the success of the “Yoga 365” initiative, under which a 100-day online yoga programme attracted more than three million participants from 130 countries, reflecting yoga’s growing global popularity.
Concluding his address, the Prime Minister said a healthy society forms the foundation of a strong, prosperous, and confident nation. He invoked the ancient prayer, “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, Sarve Santu Niramayah” (May all be happy, may all be free from illness), and wished for the well-being of all.
