Modi Hails Yogandhra as Model Initiative on International Yoga Day
On the occasion of International Yoga Day on Saturday, June 21, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in celebrations held in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that yoga has no limitations of age or boundaries and that it belongs to everyone. He said yoga has become an integral part of the lifestyle of millions around the world and described it as a force that unites the world.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered special appreciation for the Andhra Pradesh government’s “Yogandhra” initiative and particularly acknowledged the efforts of Nara Lokesh. He said, “The way in which Nara Lokesh has conducted the Yogandhra campaign over the past month and a half, involving every section of society, stands as an exemplary model of how to implement yoga programs at the community level. For this, my brother Lokesh deserves many accolades.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that over 20 million people have reportedly engaged with the Yogandhra campaign, describing this mass participation as the foundation of a developed India.
The event was attended by Andhra Pradesh Governor S. Abdul Nazeer, Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, Union Ministers Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Prataprao Jadhav, Dr. Chandrasekhar Pemmasani, and Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma, among others.
Reflecting on yoga’s global journey, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recalled that when India proposed to the United Nations to declare June 21 as International Yoga Day, 175 countries supported the proposal in a very short time. He described this not merely as backing for a proposal, but as a collective global effort for the welfare of humanity. “Today, eleven years later, yoga has become a part of the daily lives of millions worldwide. It is a matter of pride that persons with disabilities are reading yoga scriptures in Braille, scientists are practicing yoga in space, and youth are participating in yoga olympiads,” he said.
From the steps of the Sydney Opera House to the summit of Mount Everest, and across the vast seas, the message “Yoga for All, Yoga by All” is reverberating, Prime Minister Narendra Modi noted.
He lauded the excellent organization of yoga celebrations in Andhra Pradesh, stating that under the leadership of Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, the state government launched the remarkable Yogandhra program.
Commenting on this year’s International Yoga Day theme, “Yoga for Self and Society – One Earth, One Health,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said it reflects a profound truth—that the health of every living being on Earth is interconnected. He explained, “Human well-being depends on the health of the soil we cultivate, the rivers that provide us water, the animals that share our ecosystems, and the plants that nourish us. Yoga awakens us to this interdependence.”
Addressing global challenges, Prime Minister Narendra Modi observed that the world is grappling with various stresses, instability, and unrest in several regions. He said that in such circumstances, yoga offers a path to peace. “Yoga is like a pause button that gives humanity a moment to breathe, regain balance, and rejuvenate,” he stated. He expressed hope that this Yoga Day would serve as a prelude to “Yoga 2.0 for Humanity,” where inner peace becomes a global principle.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also emphasized India's commitment to strengthening yoga through modern research. He said that leading medical institutions in the country are conducting studies on yoga. According to research from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), yoga plays a crucial role in treating heart and neurological disorders, women's health, and mental well-being.
He further said that through the National Ayush Mission, the message of yoga and wellness is being advanced, with digital technology playing a significant role. He informed that over one million yoga-related events have been registered across India through the Yoga Portal and Yogendra Portal. He stated that India is emerging as a global healing hub and is also offering special e-Ayush visas to facilitate this.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also drew attention to the rising challenge of obesity. He said, “Increasing obesity is a major global concern. To combat this, I’ve launched a challenge to reduce oil usage in our diets by 10 percent. I once again urge the people of India and the world to join this initiative. Reducing oil intake, avoiding unhealthy food, and practicing yoga are key to better fitness.”
He called for transforming yoga into a people’s movement to guide the world toward peace, health, and harmony. Concluding his address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations to the leadership and people of Andhra Pradesh, and conveyed his International Yoga Day wishes to yoga practitioners and enthusiasts across the globe.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered special appreciation for the Andhra Pradesh government’s “Yogandhra” initiative and particularly acknowledged the efforts of Nara Lokesh. He said, “The way in which Nara Lokesh has conducted the Yogandhra campaign over the past month and a half, involving every section of society, stands as an exemplary model of how to implement yoga programs at the community level. For this, my brother Lokesh deserves many accolades.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that over 20 million people have reportedly engaged with the Yogandhra campaign, describing this mass participation as the foundation of a developed India.
The event was attended by Andhra Pradesh Governor S. Abdul Nazeer, Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, Union Ministers Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Prataprao Jadhav, Dr. Chandrasekhar Pemmasani, and Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma, among others.
Reflecting on yoga’s global journey, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recalled that when India proposed to the United Nations to declare June 21 as International Yoga Day, 175 countries supported the proposal in a very short time. He described this not merely as backing for a proposal, but as a collective global effort for the welfare of humanity. “Today, eleven years later, yoga has become a part of the daily lives of millions worldwide. It is a matter of pride that persons with disabilities are reading yoga scriptures in Braille, scientists are practicing yoga in space, and youth are participating in yoga olympiads,” he said.
From the steps of the Sydney Opera House to the summit of Mount Everest, and across the vast seas, the message “Yoga for All, Yoga by All” is reverberating, Prime Minister Narendra Modi noted.
He lauded the excellent organization of yoga celebrations in Andhra Pradesh, stating that under the leadership of Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, the state government launched the remarkable Yogandhra program.
Commenting on this year’s International Yoga Day theme, “Yoga for Self and Society – One Earth, One Health,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said it reflects a profound truth—that the health of every living being on Earth is interconnected. He explained, “Human well-being depends on the health of the soil we cultivate, the rivers that provide us water, the animals that share our ecosystems, and the plants that nourish us. Yoga awakens us to this interdependence.”
Addressing global challenges, Prime Minister Narendra Modi observed that the world is grappling with various stresses, instability, and unrest in several regions. He said that in such circumstances, yoga offers a path to peace. “Yoga is like a pause button that gives humanity a moment to breathe, regain balance, and rejuvenate,” he stated. He expressed hope that this Yoga Day would serve as a prelude to “Yoga 2.0 for Humanity,” where inner peace becomes a global principle.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also emphasized India's commitment to strengthening yoga through modern research. He said that leading medical institutions in the country are conducting studies on yoga. According to research from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), yoga plays a crucial role in treating heart and neurological disorders, women's health, and mental well-being.
He further said that through the National Ayush Mission, the message of yoga and wellness is being advanced, with digital technology playing a significant role. He informed that over one million yoga-related events have been registered across India through the Yoga Portal and Yogendra Portal. He stated that India is emerging as a global healing hub and is also offering special e-Ayush visas to facilitate this.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also drew attention to the rising challenge of obesity. He said, “Increasing obesity is a major global concern. To combat this, I’ve launched a challenge to reduce oil usage in our diets by 10 percent. I once again urge the people of India and the world to join this initiative. Reducing oil intake, avoiding unhealthy food, and practicing yoga are key to better fitness.”
He called for transforming yoga into a people’s movement to guide the world toward peace, health, and harmony. Concluding his address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations to the leadership and people of Andhra Pradesh, and conveyed his International Yoga Day wishes to yoga practitioners and enthusiasts across the globe.