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The prime minister emphasised that Yoga is not just a form of exercise, but a spiritual and physical discipline that helps individuals rejuvenate, heal, and attain balance in life
Prime Minister Narendra Modi takes part in a yoga session during 11th International Day of Yoga celebrations in Visakhapatnam. (PTI)
On International Yoga Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a powerful message to the youth of India and to the young at heart in Visakhapatnam.
“It is my request to the world—let this Yoga Day mark the beginning of Yoga for humanity. When one finds inner peace, it becomes a global policy and movement,” PM Modi said, addressing a massive gathering at a time when many parts of the world are embroiled in tension and conflict.
The prime minister emphasised that Yoga is not just a form of exercise, but a spiritual and physical discipline that helps individuals rejuvenate, heal, and attain balance in life.
This year’s theme, Yoga for One Earth, One Health, was reflected in the sheer scale of participation: over three lakh people performed Yoga together along a 29-kilometre stretch from RK Beach to Bheemunipatnam, creating a spectacular scene of unity and purpose.
“Unfortunately, the world is going through instability and unrest. In such times, Yoga gives us direction. Yoga is the pause button that humanity needs—to breathe, balance, and become whole again,” Modi said, as people filled rooftops, balconies, and the coastline, joining in synchrony with the prime minister.
Participants called it not just inspirational but transformative to have the prime minister and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu—both Yoga practitioners themselves—lead from the front. “They’ve shown how the health of the mind, body, and soul through yoga helps a nation grow”, one attendee remarked.
The buzz had been unmistakable in Visakhapatnam. Hoardings and banners across the city had invited citizens to join Yogandhra, Andhra Pradesh’s own branding of the Yoga Day celebrations.
From children to senior citizens, from first-timers to seasoned practitioners, all performed synchronised yoga postures in a coordinated show of unity and wellness. The event was rooted in the ancient Indian ethos—Sarve Santu Niramaya—a timeless call for health and freedom from disease for all.
A doctor from Visakhapatnam who attended the event said: “As a practising surgeon, I always advise my patients to take up Yoga. It brings inner peace, mindful thinking, and balance. Don’t treat it as exercise; make it as essential as breathing. That’s how deeply embedded it should be in our lives.”
Another young student, Shyamala, who had been preparing for the event for over a year, said she was inspired by the PM’s push for a healthier lifestyle. “Doing Yoga, guided by the PM himself — it’s an honour. It’s important for youngsters like us to make this a part of our daily lives,” she said.
Two World Records Broken
The day saw two major world records being broken. The first was for the largest number of people performing Surya Namaskar in a single session—the previous record stood at 1,035 people. This was shattered by over 22,000 tribal schoolchildren, who performed the asanas in perfect synchrony. The feat has now entered the Guinness Book of World Records.
The second record was for the largest Yoga session conducted at a single location. From RK Beach to Bheemli, the 29-km stretch turned into an open-air yoga mat for lakhs of participants—a display of dedication, discipline, and support for PM Modi’s global advocacy of Yoga.
A young professional who had travelled from Chittoor to take part in the event said it was about being part of history. “I came not just to help break a world record, but to be part of a movement. Doing Yoga along the seashore while the world woke up to health and wellness—I wanted to be a part of that moment,” he said. “I was introduced to Yoga by my grandfather. He would be proud to see me doing yoga with PM Modi and Naidu-garu.”
Yoga as a Global Language
As he led the International Yoga Day celebrations from RK Beach, PM Modi spoke of Yoga’s universal appeal.
“Yoga leads us on a journey toward oneness with the world. I feel proud when our Divyang friends study Yoga Shastras in Braille. Scientists practice Yoga in space. Youth in villages participate in Yoga Olympiads. Yoga is being performed on Navy ships, on the steps of the Sydney Opera House, at the peak of Everest, and across the oceans. Yoga transcends boundaries, backgrounds, and abilities,” he said.
Recalling the origin of the celebration, he added, “When India proposed the resolution at the UN General Assembly to declare June 21 as International Yoga Day, 175 countries supported it in record time. In today’s divided world, that level of unity is extraordinary and deeply heartening.”
Digital Detox
Naidu also addressed the gathering, calling for reduced digital dependency and a stronger focus on Yoga for health and well-being. “Yoga is not only popular in India, but across the world. It has become a global wellness movement—and Andhra Pradesh is proud to show the way,” he said.
IT minister Nara Lokesh described Visakhapatnam’s grand celebration a movement with purpose. “Both the PM and CM gave a call, and people just came to participate. This has given a sense of purpose to all,” he said.
He also spoke of how trained trainers conducted thematic Yoga sessions for 30 days across 30 different themes. “Every day, at three religious or tourist destinations, we held Yoga sessions. That was our way to showcase the kind of amazing tourist destinations we have—not just to India, but to the world.”
Lokesh added, “I’d like to thank the prime minister for giving Andhra this kind of opportunity to showcase our strength and spirit.”
Lokesh also echoed the PM’s call to balance prakriti (nature) and pragati (progress), and added that people coming together in unity was the central to the idea of Yogandhra.
Rohini Swamy, Associate Editor at News18, has been a journalist for nearly two decades in the television and digital space. She covers south India for News18’s digital platform. She has previously worked with t…Read More
Rohini Swamy, Associate Editor at News18, has been a journalist for nearly two decades in the television and digital space. She covers south India for News18’s digital platform. She has previously worked with t… Read More
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Visakhapatnam, India, India
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