PM Modi Leads 11th International Yoga Day 2025

PM Modi Leads 11th International Yoga Day Celebrations

Why in the News?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the 11th International Yoga Day celebrations from Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, with the theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health.” Over 2.72 lakh people participated in the event, setting sights on a world record. The yoga day theme emphasized the global impact of this ancient practice on personal and planetary well-being, highlighting the importance of yoga and wellness for holistic health.

Significance and Global Impact of Yoga Day:

• PM Modi highlighted how yoga unites the world, offering peace and well-being amid global stress. The benefits of yoga for mental health and physical fitness were emphasized, showcasing the growing interest in yoga philosophy and its practical applications for overall wellness.
• Recalled India’s 2014 UN proposal to mark June 21 as International Yoga Day, supported by 175 countries. This initiative has led many to celebrate yoga day annually, with numerous yoga events taking place worldwide.
• Emphasized India’s efforts to scientifically integrate Yoga into the modern medical system through yoga research at major medical institutes. This focus on yoga knowledge and wellness underscores the practice’s relevance in contemporary healthcare.
• The day reflects a global commitment to holistic health, fostering harmony across cultures. Yoga for stress relief and overall well-being was highlighted as a universal benefit, attracting yoga practitioners from diverse backgrounds.

Grand Celebrations at Visakhapatnam

• The main yoga day event took place along a 28-km coastline from RK Beach to Bheemunipatnam, led by PM Modi, who acted as a yoga instructor for the massive gathering. Renowned yoga expert Sri Bharath was also present to guide participants through various asanas.
• Over 2.72 lakh participants joined the 45-minute session, aiming for a Guinness World Record for the largest open-air yoga gathering. This massive turnout showcased the growing popularity of yoga and its practitioners worldwide.
• Joined by Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu, Minister of AYUSH Prataprao Jadhav, and other dignitaries. The presence of these officials highlighted the importance of yoga in national health initiatives and yoga training programs.
• The event featured a fly-past by the Eastern Naval Command and followed the Common Yoga Protocol, demonstrating various yoga asanas and breathing techniques to the enthusiastic yoga practitioners. Participants were encouraged to wear an orange theme, creating a vibrant visual spectacle along the coastline.

Initiatives and Outreach

• A commemorative postal stamp was released to mark the occasion, further emphasizing the significance of the yoga day 2025 celebrations and promoting yoga knowledge.
• PM Modi praised Andhra Pradesh’s ‘Yogandhra Campaign’, which trained 2 crore people in Yoga. This initiative demonstrates the growing interest in yoga classes and training programs across the country, with many aspiring to become yoga instructors.
• The theme “One Earth, One Health” underscores Yoga’s role in promoting physical, mental, and planetary well-being. This theme aligns with the broader concept of yoga and wellness, emphasizing the importance of yoga philosophy in addressing global challenges.
• PM urged citizens to make Yoga a daily habit, linking it to community wellness and resilience. He encouraged people to embark on their own yoga journey, emphasizing the importance of consistent practice and participation in yoga events.