Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the 12th [1] International Day of Yoga on Sunday at Red Road in Kolkata, West Bengal.
The event signals India's continued effort to position yoga as a global unifying force while addressing the specific physical and mental needs of an ageing population.
During the proceedings, Modi delivered a keynote speech and performed yoga sequences before a crowd of approximately 35,000 [2] live practitioners. The official theme for the 2026 observance is "Yoga for Healthy Ageing" [1].
Modi said that yoga is an expression of the human spirit. He urged people not to confine the practice to any specific age group [1]. By focusing on longevity and active ageing, the prime minister sought to promote the practice as a tool for maintaining health throughout all stages of life.
The gathering at Red Road served as the primary hub for the celebrations in West Bengal. The event combined physical demonstrations of yoga asanas with a call for global participation in the movement to improve public health through holistic wellness.
Modi said that the practice of yoga serves as a bridge between the individual and the universal. The 12th [1] edition of the day emphasizes that the benefits of the practice are accessible to everyone, regardless of their physical limitations, or age.
“Yoga is an expression of the human spirit.”
The focus on 'Healthy Ageing' reflects a strategic shift toward addressing global demographic trends, specifically the rise of elderly populations. By framing yoga as a tool for longevity, India aims to expand the international appeal of the practice beyond fitness and into the realm of geriatric public health and sustainable wellness.
