- Yoga is for everyone, beyond boundaries, beyond backgrounds, beyond age or ability: PM
- Yoga leads us on a journey towards oneness with the world, It teaches us that we are not isolated individuals but part of nature: PM
- Let this 11th International Day of Yoga mark the beginning of Yoga for Humanity 2.0, where Inner Peace becomes Global Policy: PM
NE HEALTH BUREAU
VISAKHAPATNAM, JUNE 21
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday that yoga is the pause button humanity needs to breathe amid global tensions. The prime minister took part in International Yoga Day celebrations in Vishakapatnam and performed yoga along with nearly 5 lakh participants. ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’ is the theme of International Yoga Day this year.
Addressing the gathering, the prime minister said yoga offers a pathway to peace amid conflict in various parts of the world. “Yoga is the pause button humanity needs, to breathe, to balance, to become whole again. Yoga should guide the world from conflict to cooperation, and from stress to solutions”, Modi added.
He remarked that the essence of yoga is “to unite”, and it is heartening to see how yoga has united the world. Reflecting on the journey of Yoga over the past decade, Modi recalled the moment when India proposed the idea of International Yoga Day at the United Nations. He noted that 175 countries supported the proposal, a rare instance of such wide global unity. He emphasised that the support was not merely for a proposal but represented a collective effort by the world for the greater good of humanity.
“Eleven years on, yoga has become an integral part of the lifestyle of millions across the globe”, he added. The Prime Minister expressed pride in seeing how Divyang individuals are reading yogic texts in Braille and how scientists are practicing yoga in space. He also noted enthusiastic participation of youth from rural areas in Yoga Olympiads. Shri Modi underscored that whether it is the steps of the Sydney Opera House, the summit of Mount Everest, or the vast expanse of the ocean, the message remains the same, “Yoga is for everyone and for all, Beyond Boundaries, Beyond Backgrounds, Beyond age or ability.”
Expressing satisfaction at being in Visakhapatnam, describing the city as a confluence of nature and progress, Modi commended the people for their excellent organisation of the event and extended congratulations to Shri Chandrababu Naidu and Shri Pawan Kalyan for their leadership. The Prime Minister highlighted that under their leadership, Andhra Pradesh launched a remarkable initiative—Yogandhra Abhiyan. He also specially appreciated the efforts of Nara Lokesh, stating that he has demonstrated how yoga can be a true social celebration and how every section of society can be included. Shri Modi remarked that in the past one to one-and-a-half months, Shri Lokesh has shown exemplary commitment through the Yogandhra Abhiyan and is deserving of praise for his efforts.
Noting that more than two crore people have joined the Yogandhra Abhiyan, reflecting a vibrant spirit of public participation, the Prime Minister emphasised that this very spirit forms the bedrock of a Viksit Bharat. He remarked that when citizens themselves take ownership of a mission and actively participate, no goal remains beyond reach. Modi stated that the people’s goodwill and enthusiastic efforts were visible throughout the event in Visakhapatnam.
Underlining this year’s International Day of Yoga theme,“Yoga for One Earth, One Health”, the Prime Minister remarked that the theme reflects a profound truth: the health of every entity on Earth is interconnected. Human well-being, he stated, depends on the health of the soil that produces our food, the rivers that supply our water, the animals that share our ecosystems, and the plants that nourish us.
Drawing attention to the issue of obesity, calling it a growing global challenge, Modi recalled his discussion on the topic in detail during the Mann Ki Baat programme and had launched a challenge to reduce oil consumption by 10 percent in daily diets. The Prime Minister reiterated his appeal to citizens across India and the world to join this initiative. Emphasising the need to spread awareness on how individuals can reduce oil consumption by at least 10 percent in their meals, Shri Modi stated that cutting down on oil, avoiding unhealthy diets, and practicing yoga are vital components of a healthy lifestyle.
Andhra Pradesh Governor Syed Abdul Nazeer, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan and other cabinet ministers took part in the event in Vishakapatnam. Yoga events are being performed at over 3 lakh locations across India to mark the day.
Union Cabinet Ministers Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu, Jadhav Prataprao Ganpatrao, Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, Bhupathi Raju Srinivasa Varma were present among other dignitaries at the event.
