Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a significant address in Kolkata on June 21, 2026, marking the 12th International Day of Yoga. Speaking to participants gathered in the city and millions more worldwide, PM Modi highlighted yoga's profound ability to connect individuals across geographical and generational divides, transforming June 21 into the world's largest collective celebration.
Yoga: More Than Just Physical Exercise
Modi stressed that yoga's benefits extend far beyond mere physical activity. He articulated, "Yoga is not merely a means of physical exercise. Yoga is not limited to any one age group. In India, we know and have seen that yoga is a light in human life, a union with consciousness and energy." This statement underscored yoga's deeper spiritual and mental dimensions.
Embracing Healthy Ageing Through Yoga
Addressing this year's theme, "Yoga for Healthy Ageing," the Prime Minister presented an ambitious vision for personal well-being. He challenged individuals to strive for greater flexibility at 40 than at 20, more energy at 50 than at 30, and increased resistance to lifestyle diseases at 70 compared to 50. According to Modi, yoga provides the tools to maintain health, vitality, and activity throughout life, ensuring age does not diminish human potential.
The Foundation of Balance
Drawing wisdom from the Bhagavad Gita, Modi emphasized the critical role of balance in both yoga practice and daily life. Quoting Lord Krishna – "Yukta ahara viharasya, yukta cheshtasya karmasu, Yukta swapnavabodhasya, yogo bhavati dukhaha" – he explained, "Balance is the foundation of yoga. Balance is also the foundation of our lives." He noted that modern lifestyles often suffer from imbalance, and yoga offers a path to live more disciplined and harmonious lives.
Yoga for a Better Global Future
Modi asserted that yoga contributes not only to individual physical and mental health but also to global harmony. "This awareness becomes a source of peace in our lives, and it also opens the path to world peace," he stated. He concluded that yoga is essential not only for personal lifestyle but also "a necessity for a better future of the world."
Bengal's Rich Yoga Legacy
Speaking from Kolkata, PM Modi paid tribute to Bengal's significant contributions to yoga and spirituality. He acknowledged revered figures such as Ramakrishna Paramhansa, Swami Vivekananda, Maharshi Aurobindo, Lahiri Mahasaya, and Rabindranath Tagore, recognizing Bengal as a land instrumental in spreading yoga's message globally. He also commended the state's "Yoga of Cleanliness" and "Swachhata Se Swagat" initiatives as inspirations for the entire country.
A Call for Year-Round Practice
The Prime Minister urged attendees and viewers to integrate yoga into their daily lives beyond the annual celebrations. "Let us pledge that yoga will not be limited to just one day, yoga will not be confined to just one program. We will make yoga a part of our lives, a part of our families, and a part of future generations," he declared. He highlighted the "Yoga 365" initiative, a 100-day online program that saw over three million participants from 130 countries.
Concluding his address, Modi reiterated that a healthy society is fundamental to building a stronger, more prosperous, and confident nation, ending with the prayer: "Sarve bhavantu sukhinah, sarve santu niramayah."