From Beaches To Heritage Sites, India Unites For International Yoga Day 2025; PM Modi Leads In Visakhapatnam
From Beaches To Heritage Sites, India Unites For International Yoga Day 2025; PM Modi Leads In Visakhapatnam
June 21, 2025
India marked the 11th International Yoga Day on June 21 with large-scale celebrations across the country and the world. This year’s theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” underscores the importance of holistic well-being and environmental harmony.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spearheaded the main event from Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, where a massive gathering took place along a 26-kilometre stretch from Ramakrishna Beach to Bhogapuram. An estimated 3 lakh participants joined the grand yoga session, reflecting the growing enthusiasm for yoga in daily life.
Devendra Fadnavis Highlights Spiritual Significance
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed deep appreciation for the blend of Bhakti Yoga with Raja Yoga during a celebration event. He praised the vision behind International Yoga Day, initiated by PM Modi at the United Nations in 2014 and embraced by nations worldwide.
Fadnavis emphasized that each yoga pose supports the body’s natural alignment and enhances overall health. Referring to the theme, he said, “One Earth, One Health is not just a slogan but a call for collective responsibility towards personal and planetary well-being.” He also drew parallels with Maharashtra’s Wari tradition, which exemplifies unity, devotion, and discipline—values echoed in yoga practice.
Nationwide Participation by Political Leaders
Across India, leaders and public figures actively participated in yoga sessions held at culturally significant and scenic locations:
- In Mumbai, Union Minister Piyush Goyal, along with Shrikant Shinde and Shaina NC, performed yoga at Marine Drive.
- In Tamil Nadu, Union Minister Dr. L. Murugan joined sessions in Chennai, while HD Kumaraswamy participated in Salem.
- Virendra Kumar, Union Minister, led yoga activities in Rangareddy.
- In Rajasthan, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and Deputy CM Diya Kumari hosted mass yoga events in Jaisalmer and Jaipur respectively.
- Actress and BJP MP Hema Malini took part in a session in Mathura.
- Suvendu Adhikari, BJP leader and LoP in West Bengal, joined yoga enthusiasts at the Indian Museum in Kolkata.
- In Goa, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant led the program at Dona Paula, while BSF Director General Daljit Singh Chaudhary performed yoga with armed forces personnel, promoting wellness in defense forces.
Since being adopted by the United Nations in 2014, International Yoga Day has grown into a global observance, promoting mental clarity, physical fitness, and spiritual connection. This year’s celebrations echoed a unified message: healing ourselves and the planet through the timeless practice of yoga.
