Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the 12th [1] International Day of Yoga celebrations at Red Road in Kolkata on June 21, 2024 [2].
The event emphasizes the integration of ancient wellness practices into modern daily routines to improve public health and foster international peace.
Modi performed various yoga asanas alongside thousands [3] of participants who gathered in the city. During the event, the Prime Minister urged the public to adopt yoga as a consistent habit rather than treating the annual celebration as a one-time activity.
"We will make yoga a part of our lives," Modi said [4].
He highlighted the physical and mental benefits of the practice, suggesting that it serves as a tool for stability in a fast-paced world. The Prime Minister noted that the discipline provides a framework for individuals to achieve a more centered existence.
"Yoga can help create a more balanced way of life," Modi said [5].
Beyond individual health, the Prime Minister spoke about the diplomatic and social utility of the practice. He described yoga as a bridge that can connect different cultures, and nationalities through a shared commitment to wellness.
"Yoga has the power to unite the entire world and connect people across borders," Modi said [6].
The celebration in Kolkata served as a primary hub for the global observance, with the government aiming to increase the number of citizens who practice yoga daily to improve overall national health outcomes.
“"We will make yoga a part of our lives."”
The continued promotion of International Yoga Day by the Indian government serves as a form of soft power, leveraging traditional cultural assets to enhance India's global image. By framing yoga as a tool for both individual health and international diplomacy, the administration seeks to position India as a leader in global wellness and harmony.
