Kolkata: Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the 12th International Day of Yoga on Sunday by describing the ancient Indian practice as the largest community celebration in the world. Speaking at the official event in Kolkata, Modi highlighted how yoga successfully bridges cultural and national divides to bring global citizens together. He observed that June 21, the longest day of the year, has earned universal recognition as a powerful symbol of health, unity, and shared humanity.
During the gathering, the Prime Minister extended his appreciation to the people of Kolkata for their dedication to the “Swachhata Se Swagat” cleanliness initiative. Focusing on the official theme for this year, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” Modi explained that the discipline provides essential support for physical fitness, mental well-being, and active lifestyle habits as people grow older. He clarified that the practice goes far beyond simple physical exercise, serving as a profound expression of the human spirit that remains open to all age groups.
The Prime Minister emphasized that age should never become a barrier to human potential. He challenged the public to adopt a forward-looking approach to fitness, aiming to be more flexible at forty than at twenty, and more energetic at fifty than at thirty. Concluding his speech, Modi urged individuals worldwide to integrate yoga into their daily lives as a permanent routine rather than treating it as a once-a-year occasion.
