PM Modi Leads Nationwide Celebrations for the 12th International Day of Yoga in Kolkata
- MGMMTeam
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday guided the nation’s observance of the 12th International Day of Yoga from Kolkata’s historic Red Road, participating in a grand mass yoga session alongside thousands of enthusiasts. In his address to the gathering, he described the occasion as having blossomed into the world’s biggest festival, a vibrant collective celebration that draws millions together in the spirit of wellness and unity.
The Prime Minister noted the remarkable growth in global participation, which has nearly doubled in recent years. He highlighted that June 21, known in many regions as the longest day of the year, now carries an additional layer of significance as the day of the world’s largest shared celebration of yoga. “Yoga unites us. I congratulate everyone on Yog Diwas,” he remarked, extending warm greetings to practitioners across India and around the globe.
A Grand Gathering on Red Road
The main national event in Kolkata saw enthusiastic participation on a massive scale, with nearly ten lakh people expected to join various programmes across the city and around 35,000 taking part directly with the Prime Minister in the Common Yoga Protocol session. The atmosphere reflected the deep-rooted enthusiasm for yoga that spans the length and breadth of the country — from the serene Himalayas to the vast Indian Ocean, and from the eastern regions of the Northeast and Bengal to the western shores of Saurashtra.
Modiji appreciated the people of Kolkata for their thoughtful Swachta se Swagat initiative, which beautifully combined cleanliness with the practice of yoga. He described this civic effort as an inspiring example that other communities could follow, underscoring how such local actions enrich the larger spirit of the day.
Embracing the Theme: Yoga for Healthy Ageing
This year’s theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” brought a meaningful focus to the celebrations. It emphasises yoga’s potential to support vitality, mobility, and well-being throughout all stages of life. The Prime Minister encouraged everyone to aim for progressive improvements in health and resilience, regardless of age. He explained that consistent practice helps enhance flexibility, maintain high energy levels, reduce stress, and guard against lifestyle-related conditions.
Furthermore, yoga nurtures a deeper awareness of one’s body and mind, turning practitioners into lifelong learners who can better manage their physical and mental health. This approach aligns with growing global interest in preventive wellness and graceful ageing, offering practical benefits that enhance quality of life for individuals and communities alike.
Yoga’s Enduring Global Appeal
Since its declaration by the United Nations General Assembly in 2014, International Day of Yoga has flourished into a truly worldwide movement. The 2026 edition witnessed events at thousands of locations globally, including programmes coordinated by Indian missions abroad, reflecting the practice’s ability to transcend cultural and national boundaries.
Organisations such as the World Health Organization have recognised yoga’s value in promoting holistic health, mental resilience, and dignified living across all ages. From bustling city grounds to serene international venues, the day served as a powerful reminder of yoga’s timeless wisdom in fostering harmony between body, mind, and spirit.
The MGMM Outlook
The nationwide celebration of the 12th International Day of Yoga under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership in Kolkata highlighted how yoga has evolved into a global movement rooted in India’s ancient wisdom. The massive participation witnessed across the country and abroad reflected yoga’s growing acceptance as a unifying force that brings together people from different cultures and backgrounds through the shared pursuit of health and well-being. Initiatives such as Kolkata’s “Swachta se Swagat” campaign also demonstrated how community participation can strengthen the broader message of social responsibility and collective harmony.
The theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing” underscored the increasing importance of preventive healthcare and lifelong wellness in modern society. By encouraging people of all ages to adopt yoga as part of their daily lives, the celebrations reinforced the value of physical fitness, mental resilience, and balanced living. The continued international recognition of yoga by global institutions and its expanding reach across nations reaffirm its relevance as a timeless practice that contributes to healthier individuals and more harmonious communities.
(Sources: Firstpost, NDTV, India Today)
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