Visakhapatnam: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday led the 11th International Day of Yoga celebrations from Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, where over five lakh people gathered along the scenic RK Beach to participate in a mass yoga session.
Calling yoga a “universal gift,” Modi said the ancient practice transcends boundaries and unites humanity in health, harmony, and consciousness.
“Yoga is for everyone, beyond boundaries, beyond backgrounds, beyond age or physical ability,” Modi said while addressing the crowd. He emphasized that yoga has become a powerful global movement, rooted in India’s spiritual heritage, but embraced by people around the world.
The event, titled Yoga Sangam, aimed to promote awareness about incorporating yoga into daily life and highlighted its role in individual well-being and global sustainability. The coastal city’s maritime backdrop, with Indian Navy ships visible offshore, added a symbolic touch to the event. Union Minister of State for Ayush and Health, Prataprao Jadhav, and other dignitaries were present as well.
Highlights from today’s Yoga Day programme in Visakhapatnam…
Urging you all to make Yoga a part of your daily lives. You’ll see how transformative it is! pic.twitter.com/4LECTGnWjh
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 21, 2025
UN Recognition of Global Participation
Reflecting on the origins of International Yoga Day, Modi recalled India’s 2014 proposal at the United Nations that led to the global observance of June 21 as Yoga Day.
The resolution received unprecedented support from 175 member states. “It wasn’t just support for a proposal, it was a collective commitment to the well-being of humanity,” he said.
Modi noted that yoga is now practiced across the globe from the steps of the Sydney Opera House to the heights of Everest. “The message is the same everywhere, Yoga belongs to all and is for all,” he added.
Yoga unites the world!
Glad to see immense enthusiasm all across the planet for International Day of Yoga.
I took part in a Yoga Day programme in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. People from all walks of life also joined. Here are some glimpses… pic.twitter.com/OcZq0QFrRj
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 21, 2025
Celebrations Across the Country
Simultaneous yoga sessions were held at over one lakh locations nationwide. From schools, colleges, and government offices to public parks and army camps, millions performed the Common Yoga Protocol, a standard set of yoga postures developed by the Ministry of Ayush.
Top political leaders participated in regional events. Home Minister Amit Shah performed yoga at Adalaj Vav in Gujarat, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh led a session in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir, and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar joined diplomats for a yoga session in New Delhi.
In Kurukshetra, yoga guru Baba Ramdev joined Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and Governor Bandaru Dattatreya at a session by the sacred Brahma Sarovar.
Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel demonstrated yoga postures at the high-altitude Pangong Tso Lake, showcasing commitment in extreme conditions.
🧘 Yoga can promote mindfulness & relaxation during times of difficulty and stress. It also supports physical well-being at all stages of life.
Saturday is International #YogaDay. https://t.co/Zqz5qsvMAP pic.twitter.com/k2t9PcniGp
— United Nations (@UN) June 21, 2025
Uttarakhand Launches India’s First Yoga Policy
In a landmark announcement, the Uttarakhand government unveiled the country’s first official Yoga Policy during a special event in Gairsain, attended by President Droupadi Murmu.
The policy aims to position Uttarakhand home to yoga hubs like Rishikesh, as a global capital for yoga and wellness.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami dedicated the policy to the people and said it will help institutionalize yoga promotion across the state. Ambassadors from eight countries participated in the event, reflecting international interest.
#अंतर्राष्ट्रीययोगदिवस – Yoga for One Earth, One Health
On the 11th International Day of Yoga #IDY2025, #IndianArmy conducted Yoga sessions from the world’s highest battlefield #Siachen to all the terrains & climatic conditions through the expanse of the country. #IDY2025… pic.twitter.com/vdM51U34J9
— ADG PI – INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) June 21, 2025
Message of Unity and Wellness
This year’s theme, “Yoga for Self and Society,” echoed throughout the nationwide observances, reinforcing yoga’s role in fostering individual well-being and global harmony.
As India led the world once again in celebrating its ancient tradition, the message remained clear, yoga is India’s gift to the world, and a tool for building a healthier, more unified planet.
