Kolkata, June 21: Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the main event of the 12th International Yoga Day at Red Road in Kolkata on Sunday morning. Addressing the nation, he emphasized that the entire world and country seem interconnected, showcasing the true strength of yoga. “Yoga unites everyone,” he stated.
In his speech, PM Modi noted that June 21 marks the longest day of the year in certain parts of the Earth. Thanks to International Yoga Day, this date has transformed into the world’s largest collective celebration.
Praising the people of Kolkata, PM Modi highlighted the initiative of ‘Swachhata Se Swagat’ (Welcoming with Cleanliness). He commended the efforts made by the citizens of Kolkata, which have become a significant inspiration for all countrymen.
Extending his best wishes to the global community on International Yoga Day, PM Modi remarked, “Incredible images are coming in from different parts of the world. From the Himalayas to the Indian Ocean, from Northeast India to Bengal in the East and Saurashtra in the West, the entire country is filled with the energy of yoga. The world and our nation are interconnected, and that is the essence of yoga.”
During the event, PM Modi also paid tribute to the great personalities of West Bengal. He expressed, “Being in Bengal on Yoga Day is truly special. This sacred land, where saints like Ramakrishna Paramahamsa were born, is where Swami Vivekananda introduced yoga to the world. It is also the birthplace of great yogis like Maharishi Aurobindo, who elevated the tradition of yoga. Experiencing collective yoga on this land provides a unique spiritual experience.”
On this occasion, PM Modi remembered Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, stating, “Gurudev believed that a person’s identity lies not in being different but in connecting with the world around them. This connection is the essence of yoga.”
He echoed the words of Maharishi Aurobindo, saying, “Maharishi Aurobindo also said that our entire life is yoga, whether we are aware of it or not. When yoga becomes second nature, it lays the foundation for human unity. Yoga is not merely a means of physical labor, nor is it limited to a specific age group. It is a light that guides human life, consciousness, and energy.”
PM Modi emphasized the importance of yoga for healthy aging, stating, “Our aim should be to ensure that aging does not limit human potential. Yoga can inspire continuous growth and self-improvement in human life.”
He concluded, “Our goal should be to be more flexible at 40 than we were at 20. We should aim to be more energetic at 50 than we were at 30. By the age of 70, we should have greater resistance to lifestyle-related diseases compared to when we were 50. This is where yoga can assist us.”
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