Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that yoga has transformed into a worldwide phenomenon, becoming an essential practice for millions globally while bridging cultural divides and fostering collective wellness. Speaking at Saturday’s 11th International Yoga Day festivities in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, Modi addressed the event organized around the central theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health.”
The spectacular celebration witnessed approximately 500,000 participants engaging in synchronized yoga practices along a remarkable 26-kilometer coastal stretch extending from Ramakrishna Beach to Bhogapuram in adjacent Vizianagaram district. The Prime Minister was accompanied by distinguished dignitaries including Andhra Pradesh Governor S. Abdul Nazeer, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, and State IT Minister Nara Lokesh at the RK Beach venue.
During his address to the massive assembly, Modi underscored yoga’s expanding international acceptance and its remarkable capacity to bridge humanity across different cultures, geographical regions, and age groups. The Prime Minister referenced India’s historic 2014 United Nations proposal to establish June 21 as International Yoga Day, which garnered extraordinary backing from 175 nations in record time, demonstrating worldwide acknowledgment of yoga’s universal significance.
“Following 11 years of progress, yoga has woven itself into the daily lives of countless individuals worldwide. It has crossed borders to become a worldwide initiative promoting wellness, tranquility, and unity,” Modi stated.
He emphasized yoga’s global reach, highlighting its practice from Sydney’s iconic Opera House to Mount Everest’s summit and across international waters, creating a meaningful impact. Modi stressed that yoga welcomes everyone, irrespective of location, personal history, age, or physical capabilities.
“Yoga extends far beyond mere physical activity. It represents a journey toward complete wellness, mental sharpness, and spiritual fortitude an enduring Indian contribution that continues healing and motivating people worldwide,” he elaborated.
The Prime Minister commended the state administration, especially the chief minister, for organizing such an elaborate International Yoga Day celebration. Chief Minister Naidu expressed gratitude to Modi for advancing yoga’s global popularity, noting that “Yoga is currently practiced across 175 nations at 1.2 million venues, making substantial contributions to both physical and psychological health.”
Naidu observed that artificial intelligence is enhancing yoga’s accessibility, making it more available to practitioners everywhere. He referenced yesterday’s achievement where “22,000 tribal students established a Guinness World Record through Surya Namaskar, proving that under Modi’s leadership, any record becomes achievable.”
The chief minister reported that 144,000 yoga instructors have registered to date, actively participating in the Yoga Andhra initiative over the past month – treating it not merely as exercise but as a beginning, mission, and demonstration of capability. “This yoga program has genuinely become pioneering, launching the Yoga Super League,” he declared.
Naidu congratulated all participants for embracing the Prime Minister’s movement, encouraging everyone to “transform our lifestyles, increase awareness, and represent the Telugu community with pride globally.”
Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan credited the Prime Minister’s leadership for yoga achieving widespread adoption, explaining that yoga serves not only individual wellness but also community health and planetary well-being. “Let us collaborate to maintain the One Earth, One Health philosophy. This marks a significant day, and together, we shall pursue global harmony. Motivated by Modi ji, we will persist in our efforts to honor the Telugu people,” he concluded.