PM Modi Leads Kolkata Celebrations on Red Road
On the historic occasion of the 12th International Day of Yoga, Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the national celebrations on Kolkata's iconic Red Road on Sunday. Under the theme "Yoga For Healthy Ageing", the Prime Minister performed yoga alongside approximately 35,000 participants, emphasizing the crucial role of yoga in sustaining physical, mental, and emotional health in later years. PM Modi described yoga as an invaluable asset for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, balanced routine, and holistic wellness.
The Philosophy of Balance and Bengal's Spiritual Heritage
In his address, PM Modi highlighted yoga as the ultimate tool for restoring harmony in modern life. According to the Prime Minister, maintaining a balanced diet, proper activities, and regulated sleep patterns allows yoga to effectively eliminate suffering. He pointed out that while the modern generation struggles with constant imbalance, yoga instills the art of structured living, naturally converting good health into a state of mind.
The Prime Minister praised the local residents of Kolkata for their dedication to cleanliness and civic duty during the preparations. He expressed deep gratitude for celebrating the occasion on the sacred soil of Bengal, noting its profound spiritual legacy. PM Modi paid tribute to legendary spiritual figures including Swami Vivekananda, who introduced yoga and Indian philosophy to the world, alongside Maharishi Arvind, Lahiri Mahasaya, and Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore.
Nationwide Wave and West Bengal Chief Minister's Presence
Reflecting on the widespread celebration, PM Modi observed that the entire nation, spanning from the Himalayas to the Indian Ocean and from the Northeast to Saurashtra, is filled with the energy of yoga. He added that yoga has transcended its origins to become a global mass movement centered around unity and human wellness.
The scheduled routine commenced with the Prime Minister's arrival at Red Road at 6:30 AM. He addressed the nation until 7:00 AM, which was followed by a 45-minute Common Yoga Protocol session concluding at 7:45 AM. West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari was also present at the venue, participating in the mass yoga session alongside thousands of attendees.
Union Minister Amit Shah and Diplomats Join Celebrations
Union Home Minister Amit Shah extended warm wishes, stating that yoga grants a disease-free body, a calm mind, and patience. He credited PM Modi's leadership for establishing yoga as a global lifestyle choice and called upon citizens to make it an essential part of daily life.
In New Delhi, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar spent Sunday morning performing yoga at Nehru Park. The event also saw active participation from Norway's Ambassador to India, May-Elin Stener, showcasing the global appeal of the wellness initiative.
From Pangong Tso to Parliament: Celebrations Across India
In the challenging terrains of Ladakh, the 47th Battalion of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) marked Yoga Day at the banks of the famous Pangong Tso Lake. Despite freezing temperatures and low oxygen, the jawans performed multiple yogic postures, echoing the spirit of 'Yoga For One Earth, One Health'.
Down in Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu attended a mass assembly at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Labbipet, Vijayawada. The event was conducted under the direct guidance of Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev. Meanwhile, a dedicated session was organized within the Parliament House complex. Led by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, the gathering was attended by several MPs and officials, including BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad and TDP MP GM Balayogi.
