PM Modi Leads Celebrations in Kolkata, Emphasises Yoga’s Role in Building a Healthier and More Balanced Society
International Yoga Day 2026 was celebrated with enthusiasm across India and many parts of the world, highlighting the growing importance of yoga in modern life. The main event took place at Kolkata’s iconic Red Road, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined thousands of participants in a mass yoga session and shared his vision of yoga as a tool for physical health, mental strength, and social harmony.
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Modi said that yoga has evolved beyond a traditional practice and has become a global movement that connects people across cultures and countries. He noted that yoga promotes unity by encouraging individuals to focus on inner peace, discipline, and overall well-being.
Theme Focuses on Healthy Ageing
This year’s theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” places special emphasis on helping people maintain a healthy and active lifestyle as they grow older. Health experts believe that regular yoga practice improves flexibility, strengthens muscles, enhances balance, and supports emotional well-being.
With life expectancy increasing across the world, maintaining physical fitness and mental health has become an important priority. Yoga is increasingly being recognised as a simple yet effective way to encourage healthy ageing and improve quality of life.
Yoga Gains Popularity Among Young People
While yoga has long been associated with older generations, it is now becoming increasingly popular among young people as well. Students and working professionals are turning to yoga to manage stress, improve concentration, and maintain a healthier lifestyle amid busy schedules.
Educational institutions, fitness centres, and wellness organisations are promoting yoga as a daily practice that can help individuals achieve a balance between physical health and emotional stability. Experts say even a short yoga session each day can have lasting benefits.
Celebrations Across the Globe
International Yoga Day celebrations were organised at thousands of venues worldwide. Indian missions and cultural centres abroad hosted yoga sessions, workshops, and awareness programmes to spread the message of holistic wellness.
Participants from different nationalities joined these events, demonstrating how yoga has transcended geographical boundaries and become a shared global practice. The increasing international participation reflects yoga’s universal appeal and its ability to bring people together through a common goal of better health.
More Than Just Exercise
According to wellness experts, yoga is much more than a form of physical exercise. It combines breathing techniques, meditation, and physical postures to create harmony between the body and mind. Regular practice can help reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and promote emotional resilience.
In today’s fast-paced world, where stress and lifestyle-related health issues are on the rise, yoga is emerging as a practical and sustainable solution for maintaining overall well-being.
