PM Modi calls yoga the world's largest community celebration at International Day of Yoga

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that yoga has become the world's largest community celebration, bringing together people across countries and cultures. He was speaking at the 12th International Day of Yoga celebrations held in Kolkata.

Addressing the gathering, Modi noted that June 21, the longest day in the Northern Hemisphere, is now recognised globally as a day dedicated to yoga. 'June 21, which marks the longest day on Earth, has now become the largest community celebration day because of yoga. Yoga brings people together. I congratulate the people of the world on this occasion,' he said.

The Prime Minister also praised the people of Kolkata for their dedication to the 'Swachhata Se Swagat' (Cleanliness Welcomes) initiative.

This year's International Day of Yoga theme is 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing'. Modi highlighted that yoga contributes to physical health, mental well-being, and active ageing, thereby improving quality of life. 'Yoga is not just physical exercise. It is not restricted to any age group. It is an expression of the human spirit,' he stated.

Emphasising the importance of healthy ageing, Modi said efforts must be made to ensure that advancing age does not diminish human potential. 'When we speak of yoga for healthy ageing, we can work to ensure that age does not reduce human potential. Our target is to be more flexible at 40 than we were at 20. We aim to be more energetic at 50 than we were at 30,' he added.

The Prime Minister urged people not to confine yoga to specific occasions but to incorporate it into daily life. The International Day of Yoga, established by the United Nations in 2014, has been celebrated annually on June 21 since 2015.