International Day of Yoga: PM Modi sends video message from US, Union Ministers lead celebrations across nation

The UN proclaimed June 21 as International Day of Yoga by passing a resolution on December 11, 2014 during the 69th session of the General Assembly.

To mark the occasion of the 9th International Day of Yoga, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, June 21, virtually addressed the country

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To mark the 9th International Day of Yoga, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, June 21, virtually addressed the country, saying India has always nurtured traditions that unite, adopt and embrace, and made a fervent appeal to eliminate contradictions and resistances through yoga.

“Yoga strengthens such feelings, expands the inner vision, and connects us with that consciousness which makes us feel the unity of the living being giving a basis of love for the living being,” the PM said.

Sharing my message on International Day of Yoga. https://t.co/4tGLQ7Jolo

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 21, 2023

Later in the day, Modi, who is on a 3-day state visit to the US, is slated perform yoga at the United Nations Headquarters with the UN leadership.

The UN proclaimed June 21 as International Day of Yoga by passing a resolution on December 11, 2014 during the 69th session of the General Assembly. At the session, PM Modi had said, “Yoga is an invaluable gift from our ancient tradition…. Yoga is not just about exercise; it is a way to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and the nature.”

PM Modi addresses people on the occasion of Yoga day.

In Madhya Pradesh’s Jabalpur, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar led the national celebration of Yoga day. Dhankar noted the importance of this year’s theme, and underlined that it reflects the Indian culture’s depth and combined aspirations. “It is ‘Vasudhav Kutumbakam Ke Liye Yoga’, which means one earth, one family and one future and this is the theme of the G20 also which the country is currently chairing,” he stated.

VP Jagdeep Dhankar celebrating yoga day in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh.

In Jabalpur’s Garrison Ground, Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhai Patel, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union ministers Virendra Kumar, Faggan Singh Kulaste and Prahlad Patel and state BJP president and MP Vishnu Dutt Sharma were also present along with the VP.

Rajnath Singh joins Navy personnel on board INS Vikrant

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday joined hundreds of Navy personnel on board INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier here, to participate in the yoga celebrations.

Cutting across their ranks, the defence personnel positioned themselves in various rows and performed different asanas according to the instructions for nearly an hour. ‘Agniveers’ also performed yoga in unison, embracing the spirit of unity and well-being.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh joins Navy personnel on INS Vikrant.

“It is a matter of pride for India that the International Day of Yoga is being celebrated all over the world today and shows that our rich culture and heritage is being acknowledged and adopted globally,” the Union Minister said.

Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar and other senior officers of the Navy and the Ministry of Defence were also present during the event.

Health Minister Mansukh Manaviya leads celebrations at AIIMS, Delhi

Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Wednesday said yoga has become India’s “soft power” as he marked the International Day of Yoga by leading a session with hundreds of participants at AIIMS, New Delhi.

Addressing the event, Mandaviya said, “Yoga is an ancient tradition of India but, with time, its practice started to decline. Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave a huge impetus to yoga and, today, there is no place in the world where yoga is not practised. It has become India’s soft power.” Highlighting the benefits of yoga in everyday life, he said, “Yoga helps calm the mind and energise the body. Whenever we talk about health and wellness, yoga comes to our mind. It is a kind of preventive care as it builds immunity in the body.”

In Delhi, President Droupadi Murmu held yoga day celebrations at Rashtrapati Bhavan, while Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla joined the celebration at the Parliament House premises.