Yoga Day Unites the World: Gadkari and Modi Lead Celebrations

On Saturday, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari celebrated the 11th International Yoga Day at Yashwant Stadium, Nagpur, alongside thousands of participants. He highlighted yoga's role in enhancing health and well-being, praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's global promotion of the practice.

In a statement, Gadkari said, "We should perform yoga to stay healthy. With PM Modi's efforts, yoga has gained worldwide recognition." Gadkari was spotted executing the Gomukasana and T-pose during the event.

The increasingly popular International Day of Yoga is observed on June 21. This year's theme, "Yoga for One Earth, One Health," underscores the link between personal health and planetary well-being. Global events are planned, with PM Modi participating in a significant gathering in Andhra Pradesh, targeting a Guinness World Record with over 300,000 attendees.

Prime Minister Modi, during the Visakhapatnam celebrations, called yoga a universal gift that unites humanity in "health and harmony." He urged global adoption of yoga as a "global policy" for peace and unity, emphasizing its role in fostering global cooperation.

This prominent event took place along Visakhapatnam's scenic coastline with Indian Navy ships enhancing the backdrop. Modi was joined by numerous yoga enthusiasts and dignitaries, marking the 11th anniversary after the UN declared June 21 as the International Day of Yoga.

Highlighting yoga's integrative role, Modi stated, "Yoga teaches us that we are integral to nature. Initially, it aids our health, but it soon expands to environmental and societal care." Modi also noted India's pivotal 2014 UN proposal for International Yoga Day, supported by over 170 nations. This year's events attracted widespread participation across India.

(With inputs from agencies.)