International Yoga Day 2025: A Global Embrace of Wellness, Led by PM Modi in Visakhapatnam

This year, the 11th International Day of Yoga, celebrated with immense zeal on June 21, truly blossomed into a worldwide phenomenon, with India proudly leading the way. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spearheaded the national celebrations from the picturesque city of Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, an event so monumental it aimed to etch a new world record.

The coastal city of Visakhapatnam transformed into a vibrant hub of tranquility on Saturday morning. An astounding 300,000 participants gathered to perform the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) alongside the Prime Minister, creating a breathtaking tableau of unified movement. This grand assembly was a cornerstone of the 'Yoga Sangam' initiative, a nationwide endeavor that saw synchronized yoga sessions unfold across more than 100,000 locations. In total, a staggering 20 million people were expected to participate in the day's observances, powerfully underscoring yoga's ever-growing appeal and its profound impact on collective well-being.

The chosen theme for this year, "Yoga for One Earth, One Health," beautifully encapsulated the deep-rooted connection between individual wellness and the vitality of our planet. It resonated profoundly with the ancient Indian philosophy of "Sarve Santu Niramaya," a timeless prayer for all beings to be free from disease, emphasizing a holistic approach to life.

Andhra Pradesh, in particular, went above and beyond to commemorate this decadal milestone. Beyond the monumental record attempt, the state government planned to distribute over 5 million yoga certificates, a testament to its commitment to promoting the practice. A truly heartwarming highlight of the celebration was witnessing 25,000 tribal children at Andhra University performing 108 Surya Namaskars in a remarkable 108 minutes—a powerful display of dedication and the inclusive spirit that yoga fosters across all communities.

Across the nation, the enthusiasm for Yoga Day was palpable. Delhi hosted numerous vibrant yoga sessions, including a flagship event at the iconic Red Fort, meticulously organized by the Brahma Kumaris in collaboration with the Ministry of Ayush. Even beyond India's borders, the spirit of yoga soared. The Indian Contingent proudly led International Yoga Day celebrations during Exercise Khaan Quest, a multinational peacekeeping training exercise in Mongolia, where military contingents from various nations participated in a revitalizing session. Closer to home, the resilient ITBP jawans demonstrated their unwavering commitment by performing yoga on the serene banks of Pangong Tso Lake in Ladakh, at breathtaking altitudes exceeding 14,000 feet. Haryana also saw its Chief Minister, Nayab Singh Saini, and Governor Bandaru Dattatreya, join Yoga Guru Swami Ramdev in the state's celebrations, further amplifying the message of health and harmony.

Prime Minister Modi's personal appeal to Gram Pradhans (village heads) to actively lead celebrations in their respective communities further amplified the reach of yoga, leading to a significant surge in activities across Panchayats, Anganwadis, and Health Centres. The symbolic choice of June 21, the Summer Solstice, as International Yoga Day, perfectly represents the inherent harmony between humans and nature. Since its declaration by the United Nations in 2014, this day has truly blossomed into a global movement, fostering both profound cultural connections and holistic health worldwide.