KKN Gurugram Desk | The world came together once again on June 21 to observe the 11th International Yoga Day, with mass participation from millions across the globe. From the serene beaches of Visakhapatnam to the snow-kissed valleys of Srinagar, yoga mats were unrolled and chants echoed as people practiced ancient asanas to reconnect with their mind, body, and soul.

At the heart of this year’s celebrations was Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who led a grand yoga session on the pristine coastline of Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, and addressed the nation with a message that underscored the universality, scientific relevance, and modern significance of yoga.

“Yoga Is for Everyone” – PM Modi’s Message to the World

Addressing thousands gathered on the RK Beach in Visakhapatnam, PM Modi said,

“Yoga is not just for the few. It is for everyone, everywhere. It unites humanity and transcends boundaries.”

He emphasized that yoga is not limited to religion, nationality, or age. Instead, it is a scientific lifestyle that contributes to mental balance, emotional intelligence, and physical wellness.

?? A Mega Yoga Session on the Beach with Indian Navy Participation

This year’s main national event witnessed unprecedented enthusiasm. More than 11,000 Indian Navy personnel from the Eastern Naval Command and their families participated in the yoga session held along the 30-kilometre stretch of RK Beach. The event also saw the presence of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan, who joined PM Modi on the yoga mat.

The session concluded with the chanting of the Shanti Mantra, symbolizing peace and global harmony.

Yoga Backed by Science: India’s Push for Global Recognition

Highlighting India’s efforts to bring scientific validation to yoga, PM Modi said:

“India is empowering the science of yoga through modern research. Our leading medical institutes are now conducting in-depth studies to integrate yoga into mainstream medicine.”

He further added that yoga’s inclusion in modern healthcare is not just an ambition but a necessity in the face of rising lifestyle diseases, mental health disorders, and global obesity.

Yoga Day Events Across the Globe and India

? Jammu & Kashmir:

In Udhampur, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, and numerous Indian Army personnel participated in a special yoga session, reaffirming the Indian Army’s long-standing association with wellness and discipline through yoga.

? Assam:

In Baksa district, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma led a large yoga session attended by thousands. His message highlighted yoga’s role in community building and youth empowerment.

? Srinagar:

Even in the politically sensitive zone of Lal Chowk, the central square of Srinagar, a special Yoga Day event was organized by the BJP, with the clock tower in the background standing witness to yoga’s message of peace.

? International Participation:

Indian embassies and cultural organizations in the United States, Japan, Australia, and the UAE organized mass yoga demonstrations, workshops, and meditation sessions. The global diaspora came together to honor yoga’s Indian origin and its global relevance.

The “10% Less Oil” Challenge: Yoga for Healthy Lifestyle

Reinforcing yoga as a part of preventive healthcare, PM Modi reintroduced the popular “10% Less Oil” challenge that he had earlier spoken about in his Mann Ki Baat address. He said:

“The rising global obesity rate is a warning. I urge everyone to reduce oil intake by 10% and embrace yoga for holistic well-being.”

The Prime Minister’s challenge aims to inspire people to adopt conscious eating habits, balanced nutrition, and daily physical activity through yoga.

Inclusive Yoga: From Divyangs to Astronauts

Modi highlighted yoga’s increasing inclusivity:

“It fills me with pride to see our divyang (specially-abled) brothers and sisters practicing yoga, our scientists doing yoga in space, and youth from remote villages competing in yoga Olympiads.”

His remarks emphasized how yoga has reached the remotest corners of India and touched lives across professions and abilities, transforming it from an ancient practice to a contemporary movement.

Visakhapatnam: A Symbol of Nature and Progress

Calling Visakhapatnam a “land of nature and progress,” the PM praised the city’s role in promoting environmental awareness and sustainable living.
He mentioned that over 20 million people have joined the ‘Yogandra Abhiyan’, an initiative to connect citizens with yoga through community-driven programs.

This reflects the increased grassroots participation and how yoga has become a tool for both personal and national development.

Yoga’s Global Impact: India Leading the Way

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, while extending greetings on the occasion, said:

“My heartfelt gratitude to Maharishi Patanjali and all yoga gurus. And a special thanks to PM Modi—because of his vision, yoga has become a global identity of India.”

Indeed, under India’s leadership, International Yoga Day has grown from a symbolic date to a global health movement, recognized by the United Nations in 2014, practiced by millions today.

Visuals That United the Nation

From defense personnel practicing yoga aboard INS ships to spiritual chants rising from temple towns and students performing asanas in schools—India turned into one vast yoga studio on June 21.

Social media platforms were flooded with visuals of yoga sessions from various time zones, reinforcing yoga’s universal appeal and India’s soft power diplomacy.

As the sun set on another successful International Yoga Day, the message was clear:
Yoga is not just a routine but a revolution of consciousness. It connects breath to belief, movement to mindfulness, and health to harmony.

India, under the stewardship of leaders and gurus, continues to champion yoga as a symbol of global unity, peace, and resilience. On this 11th edition of International Yoga Day, the world once again acknowledged that yoga isn’t just about flexibility—it’s about inclusivity, longevity, and humanity.