Yoga Becomes World's Largest Community Celebration, Says PM Modi at Kolkata Event
Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on Sunday that yoga has evolved into the world's largest community celebration, uniting people across diverse nations and cultures.
Speaking at the 12th International Day of Yoga celebrations held in Kolkata, Modi noted that June 21, the longest day of the year, is now globally recognised 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 commended the residents of Kolkata for their commitment to the 'Swachhata Se Swagat' (Cleanliness to Welcome) initiative.
Referring to this year's theme, 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing', Modi emphasised that the ancient practice plays a vital role in enhancing 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 said.
Highlighting the importance of healthy ageing, Modi stressed the need 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," he said. "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.
Modi urged people not to confine yoga to specific occasions but to integrate it into their daily lives.
