PM Modi Leads 11th International Day of Yoga in Visakhapatnam with Mass Participation

On June 21, 2025, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi led the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) celebrations in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Against the stunning backdrop of the Bay of Bengal, the Prime Minister participated in the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) session, joining nearly 5 lakh individuals in a vibrant display of unity, health, and spiritual discipline. His participation reinforced the message that yoga is not just a physical practice, but a holistic lifestyle that aligns mind, body, and soul.

This year’s event set new records with over 3.5 lakh Yoga Sangam events held across India, reinforcing the grassroots popularity of the initiative. Visakhapatnam’s grand celebration stood as the national focal point, illustrating the growing nationwide engagement with the practice of yoga.

Theme 2025: “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”

The 2025 theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” captures the global call for integrated well-being of humans and the planet. Inspired by India’s enduring ethos of “Sarve Santu Niramaya” (May all be free from disease), this theme connects yoga with planetary health, sustainability, and shared responsibility—echoing the One Health framework endorsed by international health organizations.

Yoga, as emphasized by PM Modi in his address, is no longer just India’s cultural heritage—it has become a universal movement for wellness. Since its institutionalization by the UN General Assembly in 2015, IDY has become a platform to promote preventive healthcare and mental resilience.

Digital Engagements and Special Campaigns

In an effort to engage wider demographics, especially the youth and families, new digital campaigns have been introduced:

• Yoga with Family: Encouraging intergenerational yoga practice at home.

• Yoga Unplugged: Youth-centric initiatives using digital platforms like MyGov and MyBharat to inspire online participation through video submissions, contests, and challenges.

These programs aim to nurture lifelong wellness habits and underscore yoga as an accessible, adaptable tool for all age groups.

Celebrations at AJNIFM, Faridabad

Parallel to the Visakhapatnam event, Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman led the celebrations at the Arun Jaitley National Institute of Financial Management (AJNIFM) in Faridabad. The event witnessed over 400 participants from across the Ministry of Finance, including:

• The Finance Secretary and Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs (DEA)

• Secretaries of all Departments under the Ministry of Finance and Corporate Affairs

• Chairman of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT)

• Senior officers and staff from affiliated institutions

The participants followed the yoga routine guided by experts from the Morarji Desai Yoga Institute after watching the Prime Minister’s address broadcast live from Visakhapatnam. The energy at AJNIFM reflected a deep sense of commitment towards well-being, harmony, and work-life balance among public servants.

A Journey of Global Leadership in Wellness

Prime Minister Modi has led International Yoga Day celebrations from multiple iconic locations since 2015—including New Delhi, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Mysuru, Srinagar, and even at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. Each location reflects a strategic choice to promote both India's internal diversity and its outward global wellness diplomacy.

The annual celebration has evolved from a symbolic ritual into a global movement for preventive healthcare, with millions practicing yoga across time zones, nationalities, and cultures.

The Future of Yoga: Inclusive, Sustainable, and Digital

This year’s initiatives, with their focus on digital inclusion, family participation, and youth-driven engagement, point toward a modern evolution of yoga’s role in society. Whether through physical gatherings or virtual yoga challenges, IDY 2025 underscores that the future of wellness lies in unity—within ourselves, our communities, and our planet.

As India continues to lead the global conversation on health and harmony, the 11th International Day of Yoga marks yet another milestone in a journey of healing, strength, and interconnected well-being.