On the morning of June 21, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the 11th International Day of Yoga celebrations from the sunlit shores of RK Beach in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Addressing the assembled crowd, Modi declared that yoga has become a global force for unity and peace. “Yoga means to unite — and it is heartwarming to see how it has truly united the world,” he said.
PM Modi noted that the celebration has grown exponentially since 2015, and this year, over 3.5 million coordinated events took place across India alone. The global theme for this year — “Yoga for One Earth, One Health” — aims to highlight the deep connection between individual well-being and the health of the planet.
“Yoga isn’t just physical exercise; it’s a complete lifestyle,” Modi said, calling it a “pause button” that allows humanity to slow down, regain balance, and rebuild strength. He added that yoga’s influence has reached symbolic landmarks — from the Sydney Opera House to Mount Everest, and even across ocean stretches — showcasing that yoga transcends barriers of age, culture, geography, and ability.
The Prime Minister called for “Yoga for Humanity 2.0,” urging the world to use yoga as a tool not just for fitness, but for inner peace and global harmony. “Let inner peace become the foundation of global policy,” he said.
The enthusiasm wasn’t limited to Visakhapatnam. In West Bengal, thousands participated in mass yoga demonstrations at Sindoor Eco Park in Jhanjra. Meanwhile, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and other dignitaries joined yoga sessions at Prahlad Nagar Garden, reinforcing the national commitment to promoting wellness.
India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also led a special event alongside international diplomats, emphasizing yoga’s soft power in fostering international cooperation.
In New York, yoga was celebrated at Times Square, with 10,000 participants joining seven yoga sessions in a day-long event led by the Consulate General of India. Globally acclaimed actor Anupam Kher graced the occasion, emphasizing yoga’s emotional and spiritual strength.
Since the United Nations adopted India’s proposal in 2014, June 21 — the longest day of the year — has become a global celebration of yoga. Now, millions around the world recognize it not only as a fitness regime but as a philosophy of holistic living and shared humanity.
