Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the 12th [5] International Day of Yoga celebrations Sunday from Red Road in Kolkata, India.
The event signals India's continued push to institutionalize yoga as a global public health tool, focusing specifically on longevity and geriatric wellness.
Modi addressed thousands of participants during the event, which focused on the theme "Yoga for Healthy Ageing" [6]. The prime minister said people should not confine the practice to any specific age group, describing yoga as an expression of the human spirit.
During the morning session, around 35,000 [4] participants joined Modi for the Common Yoga Protocol at 5 a.m. [4]. The scale of the Kolkata event was significant, with expectations that about 1,000,000 [3] people would attend the festivities.
"Yoga can help create a more balanced way of life," Modi said.
Beyond the main event in Kolkata, the celebrations reached a global scale. Coordinated events took place at nearly 2,500 [2] locations worldwide. More than 210 [1] Indian diplomatic missions abroad organized celebrations to promote personal health, and global harmony.
Modi emphasized the physical benefits of a consistent routine to maintain youthfulness. "Aim for the energy and vitality of a 30-year-old even at the age of 50 by making yoga a daily habit," Modi said.
The 12th edition of the day underscores a shift toward integrating traditional practices with modern health goals, specifically targeting the challenges of aging populations globally.
“Yoga is an expression of human spirit.”
The emphasis on 'Healthy Ageing' reflects a strategic pivot toward the demographic reality of aging populations. By framing yoga as a tool for vitality into later life, India is positioning its cultural heritage as a scalable solution for global public health systems facing rising costs associated with elderly care.
