Yoga Day 2026: PM Modi says yoga is ‘expression of human spirit’, urges people not to restrict it to any age group | Today’s news
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said yoga has evolved into the largest collective movement in the world, uniting people across nations, cultures and communities.
Addressing the 12th International Day of Yoga in Kolkata, Prime Minister Modi noted that June 21, the longest day of the year in many parts of the world, has gained global recognition as a day dedicated to yoga.
PM Modi yoga daily speech
“June 21, which is the longest day on earth, has now become the biggest day of community celebration thanks to yoga. Yoga brings people together. I congratulate people all over the world on this occasion,” he said.
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International Yoga Day, celebrated on June 21, celebrates yoga as a holistic approach to health and well-being, promoting mindfulness, self-discipline and harmony among people around the world.
PM Modi highlighted ‘Yoga for Healthy Ageing’ to convey that yoga is beneficial for maintaining physical fitness and mental well-being in all age groups and ensures that aging does not limit human potential.
PM Modi said that yoga promotes independence and reduces health risks, enabling individuals to remain active and engaged as they age, while enhancing their quality of life.
PM Modi suggests making yoga an integral part of daily routine rather than restricting it to special occasions as it helps maintain flexibility, energy and a stress-free life.
Yoga was introduced to the Western world by Swami Vivekananda in 1893 and the United Nations has established International Yoga Day on 21 June 2014 to raise global awareness of its benefits.
The Prime Minister also lauded the people of Kolkata for their committed participation in the ‘Swachhata Se Swagat’ campaign.
Highlighting the theme of this year’s International Yoga Day, ‘Yoga for Healthy Ageing’, PM Modi said that this ancient discipline contributes significantly to maintaining physical fitness, improving mental well-being and promoting healthy ageing, ultimately helping people lead better lives.
“Yoga is not just a physical exercise. It is not restricted to any age group. It is an expression of the human spirit,” he mentioned, according to PTI.
Emphasizing the need for healthy ageing, Prime Minister Modi said society should work to ensure that aging does not limit an individual’s capabilities, productivity or contribution to society.
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“When we talk about yoga for healthy aging, we can work to ensure that age does not diminish human potential. Our goal is to be more flexible at 40 than we were at 20. Our goal is to be more energetic at 50 than we were at 30,” he said.
The Prime Minister also urged people not to restrict yoga to special events or anniversary celebrations as it should become an integral part of their daily routine and lifestyle.
“It helps us tune our bodies to be flexible. It keeps our energy levels high. It also helps us maintain a calm, stress-free life and helps avoid lifestyle diseases. Moreover, through regular practice, yoga teaches us to remain life-long students of our body and mind. The more we know about ourselves, the better we can control ourselves. Therefore, Yoga for Healthy Aging, this topic must be seen as a topic for all ages, not just seniors.”
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“Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, born on the soil of Bengal, believed that the identity of a human being does not lie in a separate life, but in connection with the surrounding world. It is this connection that is the essence of yoga. On this day of yoga, I would also like to specially appreciate the people of Kolkata for creating a clean and conducive environment for this event,” he further mentioned.
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The Prime Minister said that the Bhagavad Gita’s message of balance lies at the heart of both yoga and contemporary life, describing it as a powerful way to overcome the stress and challenges of today’s fast-changing world.
Referring to the teachings of Lord Krishna, PM Modi noted that scripture emphasizes moderation in all aspects of life, including diet, daily habits, work, activities, sleep and rest. Such a balance, he says, allows yoga to become a path to reducing suffering and achieving overall well-being.
