NEW DELHI : Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while spearheading the International Day of Yoga celebrations from Visakhapatnam, described yoga as a path to tranquility in a world grappling with widespread turmoil and unpredictability.
“Regrettably, the entire globe is currently facing uncertainty, unease, and growing instability. At such a time, yoga emerges as a guiding light for serenity. It’s the much-needed pause for humanity to breathe, realign, and rediscover its center,” he said on Saturday.
He emphasized that yoga takes an individual on a path of integration with the larger world. “I feel immense pride when I witness our specially-abled citizens studying ancient yoga texts in Braille. When astronauts carry yoga into outer space. When rural youth embrace it through Yoga Olympiads. When naval fleets host coordinated sessions across vast waters. Be it atop the Opera House steps, at Everest’s peak, or across open oceans ; the same universal call echoes: Yoga belongs to all, beyond barriers, identities, and limitations.”
Reflecting on yoga’s rise on the world stage, PM Modi recalled the proposal India had submitted to the United Nations General Assembly a decade ago suggesting June 21 be recognized as International Yoga Day. He noted the overwhelming support from 175 countries, calling it an extraordinary demonstration of international unity.
“Today, I appeal to the global community let this Yoga Day serve as the dawn of Yoga for Humanity 2.0, where personal harmony shapes global direction,” he stated.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu also addressed the gathering. He credited Prime Minister Modi for transforming yoga into a worldwide movement, transcending borders and cultures. Naidu pointed out that this year, Yoga Day is being observed in over 175 nations, across 12 lakh venues, with more than 10 crore participants.
This year’s theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”, echoes the spirit of shared well-being. The Visakhapatnam celebration is being hosted along a 26-kilometre stretch, enabling over three lakh participants to engage in yoga together a powerful testament to unity, health, and collective consciousness.
