From New York to Tokyo, the world came together on June 21 to celebrate the 11th International Yoga Day, themed “Yoga for One Earth, One Health.” Events were held in iconic locations across continents, drawing thousands of participants who engaged in yoga sessions and mindfulness practices, underscoring the global appeal of this ancient tradition.
In his address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted yoga’s unifying power and described it as a vital path to inner and collective peace, especially relevant in today’s turbulent world. Referencing ongoing conflicts such as those between Israel and Iran, he stressed the importance of harmony, wellness, and shared humanity—values that yoga continues to promote worldwide.
Echoing the global spirit of International Yoga Day 2025, the Consulate General of India (CGI) in New York, in collaboration with the Town of Greenburgh and the Indian Cultural Association of North America (ICANA), hosted vibrant celebrations in Westchester. In a post on X, the Consulate highlighted yoga’s universal message of harmony and well-being.
Building on this momentum, the Consulate organised a high-energy yoga session at New York’s Times Square, in partnership with @TimesSquareNYC—bringing the spirit of wellness to one of the world’s most iconic locations. Bollywood actor Anupam Kher joined thousands of participants, with CGI New York sharing glimpses of the celebration online.
Beyond New York, similar events were held in Washington, DC, where the Indian Embassy hosted a lively session at the Lincoln Memorial ahead of Yoga Day.
The Embassy of India in La Paz, in collaboration with the Mayor’s office, hosted a yoga event on June 21 to mark the 11th International Day of Yoga. Held on a mountain cliff over 4,000 metres high, with the iconic 'La Paz' sign as a backdrop, the event drew wide praise. Ambassador Rohit Vadhwana welcomed participants and thanked Mayor Iván Arias Duran, who attended as Chief Guest. Led by four Shanti Yoga instructors, the session coincided with celebrations of the Andean, Amazonian, and Chaco New Year, highlighting shared ancient traditions. It followed earlier yoga events in Cochabamba and Tiwanaku.
India’s High Commissioner to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami, led the 11th International Day of Yoga celebrations at The Strand in London, joined by the Indian diaspora, yoga enthusiasts, and friends of India. In his address, Doraiswami called yoga “a path to healing the human body” and shared King Charles III’s message praising the theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health” and yoga’s growing popularity in the UK.
The Ayurveda Centre of Excellence (ACE), supported by the APPG Indian Traditional Sciences, also marked the occasion at the Houses of Parliament. Hosted by Bob Blackman MP, the event promoted “Unity Within Diversity” and proposed a White Paper on Integrative Healthcare to support NHS reform. Leaders from politics, medicine, and faith communities—including Dr Manoj Nesari, Lord Ranger, and NHS consultants—underscored the value of blending conventional and holistic care. The gathering honoured wellness leaders, launched Dr Rajinder Pal Singh’s ‘Journey Across Boundaries’, and highlighted integrative care’s role in enhancing well-being and NHS sustainability.
In Tokyo, Japan’s First Lady and the Foreign Minister’s spouse joined 2,000 yoga enthusiasts alongside Indian envoy Sibi George. In Dhaka, the Indian High Commission partnered with local yoga groups to organise a major event led by the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre.
Across India, vibrant celebrations took place. Over 11,000 naval personnel and families joined Modi for a grand session off the Visakhapatnam coast. In Jammu and Kashmir, yoga was performed against the backdrop of the newly inaugurated Chenab Rail Bridge and by ITBP Himveers near Pangong Tso. Border Security Force personnel held a session at the Attari border in Amritsar.
In Delhi, celebrations spanned historic landmarks—Purana Qila hosted a special session led by MP Bansuri Swaraj and ASI officials, while Qutub Minar’s Sun Dial Lawns saw a large gathering organised by IndiaTourism Delhi. At Parliament, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla led a yoga session attended by MPs and parliamentary staff.
Top leaders also participated nationwide: President Droupadi Murmu in Dehradun, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Udhampur, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Faridabad, and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in Delhi. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta led a unique yoga session on boats along the Yamuna.
Modi leads massive Yoga Day event in Andhra Pradesh
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said yoga has become an integral part of life for millions worldwide, transcending boundaries to inspire a global movement for health, peace, and harmony.
Around five lakh people took part in a mass yoga session along a 26-km stretch from Ramakrishna Beach to Bhogapuram in Vizianagaram district. Modi was joined at the RK Beach event by Andhra Pradesh Governor S. Abdul Nazeer, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, and State IT Minister Nara Lokesh.
Addressing the large gathering, Prime Minister Modi highlighted yoga’s growing global embrace and its power to unite people across cultures and generations. He recalled India’s 2014 proposal to the UN to declare June 21 as International Yoga Day, which gained the support of 175 countries.
“Today, after 11 years, yoga has become an integral part of life for crores worldwide—transcending boundaries and evolving into a global movement for health, peace, and harmony,” he said, noting its presence from the Sydney Opera House to Mount Everest.
Emphasising that “Yoga is for everyone,” Modi described it as a path to holistic well-being and spiritual strength. He also praised the Andhra Pradesh government and CM Chandrababu Naidu for the grand celebrations.
Modi noted that over two crore people have joined the YogAndhra Abhiyan and stressed this year’s theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” urging a shift from personal well-being to global harmony. Amid rising global stress, he called on the world to adopt yoga for peace and cooperation.
He also highlighted India’s scientific work on yoga’s health benefits, training of over 6.5 lakh certified volunteers, the “Heal in India” initiative, digital platforms, e-Ayush visas, and encouraged reducing oil consumption to promote healthier lifestyles through yoga.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu thanked Prime Minister Modi for popularising yoga globally, noting its practice in 175 countries and at 12 lakh locations. He highlighted the role of AI in making yoga more accessible and lauded 22,000 tribal students for setting a Guinness World Record through Surya Namaskar.
Naidu also shared that 1.44 lakh yoga instructors are now part of the growing Yoga Andhra movement, with the Yoga Super League underway, and urged people to showcase the Telugu spirit through yoga.
Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan called yoga a mass movement under Modi’s leadership, promoting individual well-being, community health, and global harmony.
