11th International Yoga Day: 'One Earth, One Health' Echoes Globally as Millions Embrace Yoga

National News: The world, along with India, celebrated the 11th International Yoga Day today with renewed energy, commitment, and unity. This year’s theme, “One Earth, One Health,” emphasized the deep connection between individual well-being and planetary health, underlining how a balanced lifestyle also contributes to a sustainable environment.

Historic Gathering in Visakhapatnam: PM Modi Leads Mass Yoga Session

The central event took place in the scenic coastal city of Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi led a grand yoga session at the seashore. The event witnessed the participation of nearly three lakh people, making it one of the largest mass yoga gatherings in the history of International Yoga Day.

Joining the Prime Minister was Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, who shared the stage during this iconic celebration. The session began with the chanting of the Shanti Mantra, followed by guided yoga postures and breathing exercises led by the Prime Minister himself. He also urged people to make yoga a part of their daily routine for a healthier and more balanced life.

Global Celebrations Reflect India’s Cultural Legacy

Yoga Day wasn’t just limited to Indian cities. Around the world, Indian embassies and cultural missions organized yoga sessions in collaboration with local communities. From New York’s Central Park to Paris' Eiffel Tower, and from Dubai’s Burj Khalifa to parks in Tokyo and Sydney, thousands of people from diverse backgrounds participated in group yoga events, paying tribute to India’s ancient holistic tradition.

These events showcased yoga’s rising global relevance in promoting physical fitness, mental peace, and sustainable living.

Youth and Educational Institutions Lead the Movement

In India, schools, colleges, and universities also took an active part in the celebrations. Yoga workshops were conducted across campuses, with educators explaining the long-term benefits of yoga to students. Many institutions held pledge ceremonies, where students committed to making yoga a regular part of their lives.

Additionally, the Ministry of AYUSH marked the occasion with the launch of a week-long awareness campaign called “Yoga Week,” featuring a range of offline and virtual sessions across the country.

Yoga: A Bridge Between Health and Harmony

Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Modi remarked,

“Yoga is more than just a set of physical exercises. It is a philosophy of balance, a way to align our inner well-being with the well-being of our planet. From the individual soul to the global ecosystem, yoga inspires peace, health, and mindfulness.”

A Global Path to Wellness

As the world faces mounting challenges like climate change, stress, and lifestyle diseases, yoga emerges not just as a form of therapy but as a comprehensive way of living. The theme "One Earth, One Health" serves as a reminder that our personal health is intrinsically tied to the health of the Earth. In embracing yoga, humanity takes a step closer toward collective harmony and sustainable well-being.