Kolkata/Jabalpur, June 21: Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the country in celebrating the 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) on Sunday, participating in an event along with thousands of people at Kolkata’s iconic Red Road, while President Droupadi Murmu joined the member of the public in performing asanas at Jabalpur.
Similar events were held across the country, with Union ministers, chief ministers and governors taking part.
Dressed in a white T-shirt and a white pair of trousers, Modi was seen walking among the participants during the 40-minute session, closely observing the performance of yoga protocols and ensuring that those were being followed correctly.
At several points, he also assisted the participants in correcting their postures.
Addressing the nation on the occasion, the prime minister said yoga has become the world’s largest community celebration, bringing people together from across countries and cultures.
“June 21, which marks the longest day on earth, has now become the largest community celebration day because of yoga. Yoga brings people together. I congratulate the people of the world on this occasion,” he said.
Referring to this year’s IDY theme – “Yoga for healthy ageing” – Modi said the ancient practice plays a crucial role in promoting physical health, mental well-being and active ageing, thereby improving the quality of life.
“Our target is to be more flexible at 40 than we were at 20. We aim to be more energetic at 50 than we were at 30. Our target must be to be more resistant to lifestyle-related diseases at 70 than we were at 50. This is where yoga can help us,” he added.
Since its inception in 2015, when the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted India’s proposal to observe June 21 as the International Day of Yoga, Modi has led the celebrations from various locations.
Murmu said yoga is an invaluable gift of India’s cultural heritage to the world, playing a vital role in guiding humanity towards peace and harmony amid multiple global challenges.
The president took part in a mass yoga session at Jabalpur’s Garrison Ground.
Dressed in a white salwar-kurta, she performed various asanas on a blue mat.
From Tokyo’s historic temples to the iconic Arco della Pace in Milan, yoga enthusiasts from across the world came together to celebrate the IDY, reaffirming the ancient Indian practice’s growing appeal as a pathway to health, balance and well-being. (PTI)
