International Yoga Day: PM Modi Calls for Yoga to Unite Humanity

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday appealed to the international community to adopt “inner peace” as a global policy and to treat yoga as a shared global responsibility.

Speaking at the 11th International Day of Yoga celebrations held along the picturesque coastline of Visakhapatnam, the Prime Minister underlined the need to transform yoga from a personal practice into a powerful collective movement for global unity and wellness.

“On this important occasion, I urge the global community to mark today not just as Yoga Day, but as the beginning of a new era — Yoga for Humanity. Let this be the day when inner peace becomes a global policy,” the Prime Minister said. He encouraged countries to embrace yoga not only as a cultural or health tradition but as a catalyst for international cooperation and collective well-being.

The grand event in Andhra Pradesh's coastal city witnessed enthusiastic participation from lakhs of yoga practitioners, including local residents, Navy personnel, and dignitaries. Indian Navy ships anchored near the shore added a majestic backdrop to the celebration, showcasing a blend of discipline and serenity.

Calling for a global yoga movement, PM Modi said, “Let us together make yoga a mass movement — one that steers the world toward peace, health, and harmony. Imagine a world where each day begins with yoga, where communities are stress-free, and humanity is united by a shared consciousness.”

Marking 11 years since the United Nations designated June 21 as the International Day of Yoga, the Prime Minister extended greetings to people across the globe. He described yoga as a vital link between humans and nature and a tool that encourages individuals to look beyond the self and towards the collective.

“Yoga teaches us that we are not alone — we are an intrinsic part of nature. It begins with self-care but gradually leads us to care for our environment, our society, and our planet. Yoga takes us from ‘Me’ to ‘We’,” he said.

PM Modi lauded the efforts of the Andhra Pradesh government in organising the large-scale event and personally thanked Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Jana Sena Party president Pawan Kalyan. He described their leadership as “inspiring” and commended the state’s commitment to promoting yoga.

“Yoga is a universal offering — it knows no boundaries of race, religion, nationality, age, or physical ability. I congratulate Chandrababu Naidu and Pawan Kalyan for successfully organising this event in a city that reflects a harmonious blend of nature and development,” the Prime Minister added.

Reflecting on the journey that began in 2014, when India proposed the idea of International Yoga Day at the UN, Modi recalled how over 170 countries backed the initiative in record time. He highlighted how yoga has evolved into a global practice symbolising peace, balance, and unity.

This year’s International Day of Yoga celebrations saw widespread participation across states, reinforcing India’s message of “Yoga for One Earth, One Health.”

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