Visakhapatnam/New Delhi: Leading world’s largest ever Yoga gathering of 3 lakh citizens to celebrate the 11th International Yoga Day here, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said the Yoga has united the world, beyond borders, backgrounds, or abilities.
Prime Minister Modi while addressing the gathering, now etched in the Guinness Book of World Records, said, “The essence of Yoga is to unite, and it is heartening to see how Yoga has united the world.”
The Prime Minister joined thousands of participants from India and abroad for a historic yoga session by the sea on the occasion.
Extending warm greetings to people across India and the world on International Day of Yoga, the Prime Minister highlighted that this year marks the 11th occasion when the world has come together on 21st June to practice yoga collectively.
Reflecting on the journey of Yoga over the past decade, PM Modi recalled the moment when India proposed the idea of International Yoga Day at the United Nations. “As many as 175 countries supported the proposal, a rare instance of such wide global unity. 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.
PM 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.”
The Prime Minister expressed his delight at being in Visakhapatnam, describing it as a vibrant blend of natural beauty and modern progress.
The national event was joined by the Governor of Andhra Pradesh, Abdul Nazeer, and the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N. Chandrababu Naidu Garu. Union Minister for Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu Garu.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Ayush and MoS for Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State Dr. Chandrasekhar Pemmasani and others were also present.
Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah joined IDY celebrations in Ahmedabad and wrote on “X” that “Yoga brings unity among the mind, body and brain and has become an integral part of the daily routine of people all over the world.”
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh joined the celebrations in Udhampur. “The ancient tradition of Yoga passed down by our sages is now being followed globally. In India, Yoga is not just a practice, it’s a way of life,” he said.
Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers, Jagat Prakash Nadda also participated in the International Day of Yoga celebrations at Kartavya Path in New Delhi.
Reflecting on the transformative journey of yoga over the past decade, he posted on the social media platform X: “Yoga nurtures balance across our physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions, enabling a healthier and more fulfilling life. It is due to the visionary leadership of the Prime Minister that Yoga has earned global recognition. Over the last 10 years, people across the world have embraced yoga as an essential part of their daily lives.”
Nadda extended his heartfelt wishes to all citizens on the 11th International Day of Yoga, urging them to continue practicing and promoting yoga as a way of life. (KNO)
