Union Minister Gadkari and PM Modi Lead Global Yoga Day Celebrations

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari spearheaded the 11th International Yoga Day celebrations by performing yoga alongside thousands of participants at Yashwant Stadium in Nagpur. Emphasizing the significance of integrating yoga into daily life for enhanced health and well-being, Gadkari lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's dedication to popularizing yoga on a global scale.

Addressing reporters, Gadkari stated, "We should perform yoga to remain healthy. Thanks to PM Modi's efforts, yoga is now a global celebration." He showcased poses such as the Gomukasana or Cow Face Pose and the T-pose during the event.

International Yoga Day, observed annually on June 21, marks its 11th celebration under the theme "Yoga for One Earth, One Health," reflecting the inseparable link between personal wellness and planetary health. Events worldwide included PM Modi leading a massive yoga session in Andhra Pradesh, aiming to set a Guinness World Record with over 300,000 participants.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at the Visakhapatnam event, acknowledged yoga as a timeless gift that transcends borders and unites humanity. Urging the global community to adopt "inner peace" as a policy, he called for making yoga a collective responsibility. "Let this International Yoga Day begin the journey of Yoga for Humanity," Modi stated.

The scenic Visakhapatnam coastline hosted the event, with Indian Navy ships enhancing the spectacle. PM Modi participated with countless yoga enthusiasts, officials, and residents. He extended greetings celebrating the day's 11th year since the UN designated it a global event in 2014.

Highlighting yoga's unifying role, PM Modi remarked, "Yoga teaches us that we're integral to nature. It begins with our health, then extends to caring for the planet." Recalling India's 2014 UN proposal for the global day, he noted yoga's rise as a symbol of peace and unity, with widespread participation across states.

(With inputs from agencies.)