Kolkata, June 21: In a symbolic and strategic move, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chose West Bengal as the focal point for the 12th International Day of Yoga celebrations, sending a powerful message that yoga is no longer just India’s ancient tradition but a global movement for human well-being. The main event was held at Kolkata’s iconic Red Road, transforming the cultural capital of India into the global epicentre of yoga.
This year’s theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” underscores yoga’s growing relevance in an era marked by increasing life expectancy and lifestyle-related ailments. The theme highlights yoga’s role in promoting physical vitality, mental resilience, emotional well-being and independent living among people of all age groups.
Addressing thousands of participants gathered in Kolkata and millions watching across the world, Prime Minister Modi reiterated that yoga has evolved into a global people’s movement transcending boundaries, cultures and generations. Since India successfully proposed the International Day of Yoga at the United Nations in 2014, June 21 has become a worldwide celebration observed in more than 180 countries every year.
Political observers note that selecting Bengal as the host state carries significance beyond logistics. Bengal has historically been a cradle of India’s spiritual and intellectual renaissance, producing luminaries whose ideas travelled across continents. By choosing Kolkata, the Prime Minister sought to reinforce India’s civilisational message of harmony, wellness and universal brotherhood.
Echoing this sentiment, CM Yogi Adityanath credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for giving global recognition to India’s ancient traditions and cultural heritage through the International Day of Yoga initiative. “We are all grateful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has given global recognition to India’s traditions and heritage, and has presented a vision for all of us, enabling 140 crore Indians to move forward with pride in the world, and to realise the vision of Viksit Bharat,” he said.
Highlighting the Prime Minister’s continued efforts to expand the reach of yoga, the Chief Minister added, “You must have seen that the Prime Minister himself visits different states every year to take these International Yoga Day events to new heights of success. It is my good fortune that this year I have the opportunity to join you all in this International Yoga Day event on this historic ground in Jhansi.”
The message also resonated with ancient Indian philosophy. The Bhagavad Gita speaks extensively about attaining mental equilibrium, self-discipline and inner peace. Yoga, practitioners say, is a practical pathway to achieving that state of mental balance, enabling individuals to navigate modern-day stress with clarity and composure. This year’s focus on healthy ageing also aligns with global public health priorities. The United Nations notes that yoga supports balance, mobility, flexibility, strength and emotional well-being, contributing directly to the goals of the World Health Organization’s Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021-2030).
From Bengal, therefore, a larger message has emerged: yoga is no longer merely an exercise routine but a philosophy of life, a preventive healthcare tool and a bridge connecting India to the world. As millions rolled out their yoga mats across continents on June 21, the message was clear — India’s ancient wisdom continues to offer modern solutions to global challenges, and Bengal has once again become the stage from which that message echoes worldwide.
Today the lines of Gurudev – Rabindranath Tagore echoes in every space – Into that heaven of freedom my father let my country awake …
Message from Honourable Governor of Karnataka Thaawarchand Gehlot
Warm greetings on International Day of Yoga. Joined Hon Speaker, Health Minister, film celebrities, students & yoga enthusiasts at the grand steps of Vidhana Soudha, to celebrate yoga India’s invaluable gift to humanity that promotes physical, mental & spiritual well-being.