Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday highlighted the transformative impact of yoga on human well-being, saying that the remarkable success of the International Day of Yoga demonstrates how the ancient practice is helping millions across the world lead healthier, more confident and positive lives.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, “The great success of International Yoga Day is a testament to the fact that yoga is not only making millions of people around the world physically healthy, but is also inspiring them to live a positive life with confidence.”
He also shared a Sanskrit Subhashitam (verse) which conveys that yoga is the means of completely calming and quieting the mind. To attain this goal, two principal methods of yoga are prescribed: calming the mind and regulating the flow of the breath.
12th International Day of Yoga was celebrated on June 21, which witnessed widespread participation across countries under the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing.”
“A memorable Yoga Day across the world! Gratitude to people around the world for making International Day of Yoga 2026 a truly global celebration. It is encouraging to see Yoga bringing together people from all walks of life, across nations, in the shared pursuit of wellness and good health,” the Prime Minister said on Sunday.
He expressed hope that the celebrations would inspire more people to incorporate yoga into their daily routines and benefit from its holistic approach to health and well-being.
On Sunday, PM Modi led the national observance of the International Day of Yoga from Kolkata’s iconic Red Road, where he participated in the Common Yoga Protocol session alongside thousands of yoga enthusiasts.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister described yoga as much more than a physical exercise, calling it a source of consciousness, vitality and inner illumination that enriches every stage of life. He noted that images of Yoga Day celebrations from across India and around the world reflected a shared commitment to wellness and harmony.
Highlighting this year’s theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” PM Modi said yoga enables people to remain healthy, active and energetic throughout their lives. He stressed that healthy ageing is not merely about living longer but about maintaining vitality, resilience and purpose with advancing age.
The Prime Minister said that regular yoga practice enhances flexibility, sustains energy, reduces stress and promotes mental well-being while helping prevent lifestyle-related diseases. He urged people to adopt yoga as a lifelong discipline and make it an integral part of their daily lives rather than limiting it to an annual celebration.
PM Modi also highlighted the success of the “Yoga 365” initiative, noting that more than three million participants from 130 countries joined the 100-day online yoga programme this year, reflecting yoga’s growing global appeal.
Concluding his address, the Prime Minister said that a healthy society forms the foundation of a strong and prosperous nation and invoked the ancient prayer, “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, Sarve Santu Niramayah” (May all be happy, may all be free from illness), calling for collective well-being and harmony across the world.
