PM Narendra Modi led the national celebrations of the 11th International Yoga Day in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, under the theme ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health.’ Addressing a large gathering, PM Modi underscored the growing global relevance of Yoga and called for a renewed commitment to peace and unity through its practice.
“Today, the entire world is performing Yoga. Yoga simply means to add, and it is heartening to see how it has connected people across the globe,” the PM said, as quoted by ANI. He extended his greetings to people worldwide on the occasion, highlighting Yoga’s unifying power and spiritual significance.
Amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and conflicts, PM Modi emphasized the role of Yoga as a tool for fostering peace and emotional well-being. “Unfortunately, today the world is witnessing increasing unrest and instability. In such times, Yoga gives us the direction of peace. Yoga is the pause button that humanity needs to breathe, find balance, and become whole again,” he said.
PM Modi proposed that International Yoga Day should mark the beginning of a new chapter for global unity – what he termed ‘Humanity 2.0.’ He urged world leaders and citizens alike to embrace Yoga not just as a physical discipline, but as a transformative global philosophy.
“My request to the world is, let this Yoga Day mark the beginning of Yoga for Humanity 2.0, where inner peace becomes a global policy,” he said.
Highlighting the broader spiritual and social aspects of Yoga, the Prime Minister added, “Yoga is a great personal discipline, but also a system that takes us from ‘Me to We.’ It encourages a collective journey toward balance, peace, and holistic well-being.”
This year’s celebration saw widespread global participation, with Yoga events held in over 190 countries, further reinforcing India’s soft power diplomacy and the universal appeal of the ancient practice.
