PM Leads Yoga Day Celebrations in Kolkata
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the national celebrations of the 12th International Day of Yoga at Kolkata’s historic Red Road on Sunday, joining thousands of participants in performing the Common Yoga Protocol under the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing.”
Addressing the gathering, Modi described Yoga as a powerful force that unites individuals, communities, and nations. He said International Yoga Day has evolved into one of the world’s largest collective movements, promoting health, wellness, and harmony across cultures.
Highlighting this year’s theme, the Prime Minister said Yoga is much more than physical exercise and offers a holistic approach to healthy living. Regular practice, he noted, helps people remain active and energetic as they age while improving mental balance and emotional well-being.
Modi said modern lifestyles often lead to stress and imbalance, and Yoga provides a practical path to discipline, peace, and overall wellness. He urged citizens to make Yoga a daily habit rather than limiting it to a single annual event.
Referring to the “Yoga 365” initiative, he noted that over 30 lakh people from 130 countries participated in a 100-day online Yoga programme. This year’s celebrations also witnessed massive global participation, with more than six lakh organisations registering on the Yoga Sangam Portal and Indian missions hosting events at nearly 2,500 locations worldwide.
