Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the 11th International Day of Yoga celebrations in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
Yoga has united the entire world: PM
Yoga is for Everyone, Beyond Boundaries, Beyond Backgrounds, Beyond age or ability: PM
Yoga is a system that takes us from Me to We: PM
Yoga is the pause button humanity needs, to breathe, to balance, to become whole again: PM
Let this Yoga Day mark the beginning of Yoga for Humanity 2.0, where Inner Peace becomes Global Policy: PM
VISAKAPATNAM, JUNE 21, 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has addressed the 11th International Day of Yoga (IYD) event in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh today. The Prime Minister led the celebrations of International Yoga Day and took part in the Yoga session.
Addressing the occasion, the Prime Minister extended warm greetings to people across India and the world on International Yoga Day, highlighting that this year marks the 11th occasion when the world has come together on 21st June to practice yoga collectively. He remarked that the essence of yoga is “to unite”, and it is heartening to see how yoga has united the world. Reflecting on the journey of Yoga over the past decade, Shri Modi recalled the moment when India proposed the idea of International Yoga Day at the United Nations. He noted that 175 countries supported the proposal, a rare instance of such wide global unity. He emphasised that the support was not merely for a proposal but represented a collective effort by the world for the greater good of humanity. “Eleven years on, yoga has become an integral part of the lifestyle of millions across the globe”, he added. The Prime Minister expressed pride in seeing how Divyang individuals are reading yogic texts in Braille and how scientists are practising yoga in space. He also noted enthusiastic participation of youth from rural areas in Yoga Olympiads. Shri Modi underscored that whether it is the steps of the Sydney Opera House, the summit of Mount Everest, or the vast expanse of the ocean, the message remains the same, “Yoga is for everyone and for all, Beyond Boundaries, Beyond Backgrounds, Beyond age or ability.”
Expressing satisfaction at being in Visakhapatnam, describing the city as a confluence of nature and progress, Shri Modi commended the people for their excellent organisation of the event and extended congratulations to Shri Chandrababu Naidu and Shri Pawan Kalyan for their leadership. The Prime Minister highlighted that under their leadership, Andhra Pradesh launched a remarkable initiative—Yogandhra Abhiyan. He also specially appreciated the efforts of Shri Nara Lokesh, stating that he has demonstrated how yoga can be a true social celebration and how every section of society can be included. Shri Modi remarked that in the past one to one-and-a-half months, Shri Lokesh has shown exemplary commitment through the Yogandhra Abhiyan and is deserving of praise for his efforts.
Noting that more than two crore people have joined the Yogandhra Abhiyan, reflecting a vibrant spirit of public participation, the Prime Minister emphasised that this very spirit forms the bedrock of a Viksit Bharat. He remarked that when citizens themselves take ownership of a mission and actively participate, no goal remains beyond reach. Shri Modi stated that the people’s goodwill and enthusiastic efforts were visible throughout the event in Visakhapatnam.
Underlining this year’s International Day of Yoga theme,“Yoga for One Earth, One Health”, the Prime Minister remarked that the theme reflects a profound truth: the health of every entity on Earth is interconnected. Human well-being, he stated, depends on the health of the soil that produces our food, the rivers that supply our water, the animals that share our ecosystems, and the plants that nourish us. Shri Modi highlighted that yoga awakens us to this interconnectedness and guides us on a journey toward oneness with the world. “Yoga teaches us we are not isolated individuals but integral parts of nature. Initially, we learn to care for our own health and wellness, but gradually, this care expands to our environment, society, and the planet. Yoga is a profound personal discipline that, at the same time, serves as a collective system—one that transitions individuals from Me to We”, the Prime Minister stated.
“The spirit of “Me to We” encapsulates the very soul of India”, said Shri Modi, remarking that when an individual rises above self-interest and begins to think about society at large, the welfare of all humanity becomes possible. He referred to Indian culture, stating that it teaches us the value of “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah”—the welfare of all is one’s sacred duty and this journey from ‘Me’ to ‘We’ forms the foundation of service, dedication, and coexistence. The Prime Minister stated that it is this very thinking that fosters social harmony.
Expressing concern over the growing stress, unrest, and instability in various parts of the world, Shri Modi remarked that in such times, yoga offers a pathway to peace. “Yoga is the pause button humanity needs,to breathe, to balance, to become whole again”, he stated. The Prime Minister made a special appeal to the global community on the occasion of International Yoga Day, urging, “let this Yoga Day mark the beginning of Yoga for Humanity 2.0, where Inner Peace becomes Global Policy”. He emphasised that yoga should not remain merely a personal practice but should evolve into a medium for global partnerships. He called upon every nation and every society to integrate yoga into their lifestyle and public policy. Shri Modi envisioned a collective effort to advance a peaceful, balanced, and sustainable world. “Yoga should guide the world from conflict to cooperation, and from stress to solutions”, he added.
Highlighting India’s efforts to strengthen the science of yoga through modern research to support its global dissemination, the Prime Minister noted that the country’s leading medical institutions are actively engaged in yoga research, aiming to establish its scientific relevance within contemporary medical practices. He underscored that India is promoting evidence-based therapy in the field of yoga through its medical and research institutions. Shri Modi praised the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, for its exemplary contribution in this direction. Citing AIIMS research findings, he stated that yoga has shown significant impact in the treatment of cardiac and neurological disorders, as well as in improving women’s health and mental well-being.
Shri Modi noted that through the National Ayush Mission, the message of yoga and wellness is being actively advanced across the country. He remarked that digital technology has played a significant role in this effort. Over one million events have been registered nationwide through the Yoga Portal and YogAndhra Portal, indicating the remarkable expansion of yoga’s reach across the country. He stated that the scale of events taking place in every corner of India reflects yoga’s growing influence.
Noting the rising global popularity of the “Heal in India” mantra, highlighting India’s emergence as a leading destination for healing, Shri Modi emphasised that yoga is playing a vital role in this development. He expressed satisfaction that a Common Yoga Protocol has been developed to standardise practice. Underlining the efforts of the Yoga Certification Board, which has trained more than 6.5 lakh volunteers, and recognised around 130 institutions, the Prime Minister also noted the inclusion of a 10-day yoga module in medical colleges as part of building a holistic wellness ecosystem. He informed that trained yoga teachers are being deployed across Ayushman Arogya Mandirs nationwide. To ensure the global community benefits from India’s wellness ecosystem, the Prime Minister announced the provision of special e-Ayush visas.
Drawing attention to the issue of obesity, calling it a growing global challenge, Shri Modi recalled his discussion on the topic in detail during the Mann Ki Baat programme and had launched a challenge to reduce oil consumption by 10 percent in daily diets. The Prime Minister reiterated his appeal to citizens across India and the world to join this initiative. Emphasising the need to spread awareness on how individuals can reduce oil consumption by at least 10 percent in their meals, Shri Modi stated that cutting down on oil, avoiding unhealthy diets, and practicing yoga are vital components of a healthy lifestyle.
Calling upon everyone to transform yoga into a jan andolan – a people’s movement, the Prime Minister envisioned a movement that would lead the world towards peace, health, and harmony. He urged that every individual begin their day with yoga to bring balance in life, and every society embrace yoga to be free of stress. The Prime Minister concluded by stating, “Yoga should serve as a thread that weaves humanity together, Yoga for One Earth, One Health should become a global resolution”.
The Governor of Andhra Pradesh, Shri Syed Abdul Nazeer, the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu, and Union Cabinet Ministers Shri Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu, Shri Jadhav Prataprao Ganpatrao, Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, and Shri Bhupathi Raju Srinivasa Varma were present, along with other dignitaries, at the event.
