PM Modi Leads International Yoga Day Celebrations in Kolkata, Urges Citizens to Make Yoga a Daily Practice

Kolkata, June 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday led the celebrations of the 12th International Day of Yoga from Kolkata’s iconic Red Road, calling upon people across the country to embrace yoga as an integral part of their daily lives. Addressing a massive gathering of yoga enthusiasts, the Prime Minister highlighted yoga’s role in promoting physical fitness, mental well-being, and healthy ageing, while stressing that it should not be confined to a single day of observance.

Speaking at the event, PM Modi said that yoga has evolved into a global movement that transcends geographical, cultural, and social boundaries. “Yoga connects everyone. That is why June 21 has become one of the biggest global celebrations. I am delighted to see the people of Kolkata participating in such large numbers in this worldwide festival of wellness,” he remarked.

The Prime Minister emphasised that regular yoga practice can significantly improve quality of life and help people maintain their vitality as they age. “Yoga ensures that ageing does not diminish a person’s working potential. If yoga becomes a part of your daily routine and your family’s lifestyle, then at the age of fifty you will feel as energetic as you were in your thirties, and at seventy you may feel as active as someone in their forties,” he said.

Highlighting Bengal’s historical contribution to the global spread of yoga, PM Modi paid tribute to Swami Vivekananda, whose teachings introduced India’s spiritual and philosophical traditions to the world stage. He recalled Vivekananda’s famous address in 1893 and his emphasis on yoga as a path to self-realisation and human development.

“Swami Vivekananda described yoga as the way to liberation and spoke about it as a source of joy and love. He explained how yoga contributes to the development of both mind and body. This rich yoga tradition is deeply connected with the cultural heritage of Bengal,” the Prime Minister said.

PM Modi also urged people to look beyond the personal benefits of yoga and recognise its broader significance in shaping a healthier and more harmonious society. According to him, yoga has the power to contribute to a brighter future by fostering discipline, balance, and collective well-being.

“It would be a mistake to think that yoga is only for individual health. Yoga has a much larger role in building a better future for society. Therefore, do not limit yoga to a particular day or occasion. Let it become a permanent part of your everyday life,” he said.

Referring to ancient Indian wisdom, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of combining yoga with a balanced lifestyle. He cited teachings from the Bhagavad Gita, noting that moderation in food, work, and sleep is essential for achieving true well-being.

“Lord Krishna says in the Bhagavad Gita that yoga must be accompanied by moderation in eating, working, and sleeping. When balance is maintained in all aspects of life, yoga helps make life more meaningful and fulfilling,” he said.

Sharing photographs and videos from the event on social media platform X, PM Modi later wrote: “From physical wellness to inner peace, yoga enriches every aspect of life. Delighted to join this year’s celebrations in Kolkata.”

The event was also attended by West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, who spoke about Bengal’s historical association with yoga and expressed satisfaction over the large-scale participation witnessed across the state. He said that yoga’s roots in Bengal are strong and that the current celebrations reflected a renewed public interest in the ancient practice.

According to the Chief Minister, more than one crore people across West Bengal were expected to participate in various International Day of Yoga programmes organised throughout the state.

Following the speeches, Prime Minister Modi and Chief Minister Adhikari joined thousands of participants in performing a series of yoga asanas as part of the Common Yoga Protocol, marking one of the largest Yoga Day celebrations held in the country this year.

Team Maverick.