Yoga teaches us the art of living a balanced life: PM
FinTech BizNews Service
Mumbai, 21 June 2026: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi led the national observance of the 12th International Day of Yoga from Red Road in Kolkata today. Shri Modi participated in the Common Yoga Protocol session along with thousands of Yoga practitioners. Extending his greetings to people across the world on the occasion of the International Day of Yoga, Shri Modi observed that June 21 is marked by the longest day of the year in several parts of the world and has also emerged as one of the largest collective celebrations of humanity through yoga.
Addressing the gathering in Kolkata, the Prime Minister said that inspiring images of yoga were being witnessed from different parts of the world. “From the Himalayas to the Indian Ocean, and from Bengal and the Northeast to the western region of Saurashtra, the entire nation appeared energized by the spirit of yoga. The country and the world seemed connected through a shared commitment to wellness and harmony, reflecting the unifying power of yoga”, remarked Shri Modi.
Vice President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan participated in the International Day of Yoga celebrations at Spituk Stadium in Leh, Ladakh. Lieutenant Governor, UT of Ladakh, Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena; Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha from Ladakh, Shri Mohmad Haneefa; Chief Executive Councillor (L.A.H.D.C Kargil), Dr Mohd Jaffer Akhoon and other dignitaries were present during the occasion.
The Prime Minister also praised the people of Kolkata for their efforts under the “Swachhta Se Swagat” initiative. He said that the dedication, hard work and civic responsibility demonstrated by the citizens in maintaining cleanliness had become an inspiration for people across the country.
Shri Modi stated that celebrating Yoga Day in West Bengal carried special significance because of the state's rich spiritual and cultural heritage. He recalled that Bengal is the land where Bhagwan Ramakrishna Paramahansa lived and taught, from where Swami Vivekananda introduced India's spiritual wisdom and yoga traditions to the world, and where Maharshi Aurobindo and Lahiri Mahasaya contributed immensely to the advancement of yogic thought and practice. Referring to the teachings of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, the Prime Minister said that true human identity is shaped through meaningful connections with the world around us, a principle that lies at the heart of yoga. He also cited Maharshi Aurobindo’s belief that the whole of life is yoga, observing that when yoga becomes part of one's nature, it strengthens the foundation of human unity. “Yoga is not merely a form of physical exercise and cannot be confined to any particular age group. It is a source of consciousness, vitality and inner illumination that enriches every stage of human life”, Shri Modi emphasised. Referring to this year’s International Day of Yoga theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”, he said that yoga offers a pathway to remaining healthy, active and energetic even as one grows older.
The Prime Minister stated that healthy ageing means ensuring that advancing years do not diminish human potential. He said that yoga encourages continuous growth and self-improvement throughout life. He expressed the aspiration that individuals should strive to be more flexible at forty than they were at twenty, more energetic at fifty than they were at thirty, and more resilient to lifestyle-related diseases at seventy than they were at fifty. He noted that yoga helps improve flexibility, sustain energy levels, reduce stress and promote mental well-being while also helping prevent lifestyle disorders. “Regular practice of yoga transforms individuals into lifelong learners of their own bodies and minds. He said that greater self-awareness leads to better self-management and a healthier way of life”, Shri Modi observed.
The Prime Minister remarked that the theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing” is not limited to the elderly but is relevant for people of all ages, making yoga a lifelong companion in the pursuit of health, well-being and personal growth.
Referring to the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, Shri Modi stated, “Balanced food habits, balanced recreation, balanced actions, and balanced sleep and wakefulness enable yoga to become a means of overcoming suffering”. He observed that balance is the very foundation of yoga and is equally essential for a fulfilling life. Yoga teaches the art of living in a balanced manner. It guides individuals on what should be done and what should be avoided, helping them develop a healthier lifestyle.
The Prime Minister emphasized that yoga is not confined to physical well-being alone. Rather, it provides a pathway from mental wellness to physical wellness. Referring to the expression “Yukta Chestasya Karmasu,” he said that yoga helps individuals develop the wisdom to distinguish between what is right and what is not. “Such awareness becomes a source of inner peace and also creates pathways towards global harmony. Yoga is no longer relevant only as a personal lifestyle practice; it has become a necessity for building a better future for the world”, Shri Modi noted.
Shri Modi stated that while millions of people participate in yoga activities every year on the occasion of the International Day of Yoga, the day also provides an opportunity to renew a collective commitment towards making yoga an integral part of everyday life. He called upon people to ensure that yoga is not restricted to a single day or a single event, but becomes a permanent part of their lives, their families, and the lives of future generations.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the progress made under the “Yoga 365” initiative this year. “A 100-day online yoga programme was organized under the initiative and witnessed unprecedented public participation. More than three million people from 130 countries participated in the programme, reflecting the growing global acceptance and popularity of yoga”, Shri Modi remarked.
Concluding his address, Shri Modi said that a healthy society lays the foundation for a stronger, more prosperous, and more confident nation. Expressing his wishes for the well-being of all, he invoked the ancient prayer, “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, Sarve Santu Niramayah” (May all be happy, may all be free from illness).
On Sunday, at the event organized on the occasion of International Yoga Day at Kartavya Bhawan, New Delhi, Shri Rohit Kansal, Secretary, Department of Rural Development, along with the department's officers and employees, participated with great enthusiasm.
The International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026 was celebrated with enthusiasm at Kartavya Bhavan-03, New Delhi, under the theme "Yoga for Healthy Ageing." The event was jointly organized by the Ministry of Rural Development, Ministry of Home Affairs, Department of Personnel and Training, Ministry of External Affairs, and the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser, Government of India.
Secretary, Department of Rural Development, Shri Rohit Kansal participated in the programme and highlighted the significance of yoga as a holistic practice for physical fitness, mental well-being, and emotional balance. He encouraged officers and staff to adopt yoga as part of their daily routine for a healthier and more productive lifestyle.
The programme was attended by Shri T.K. Anil Kumar, Additional Secretary; Shri Piyush Srivastava, Senior Economic Adviser; Ms. Swati Sharma, Ms. Rohini R. Bhajibhakare, Ms. Jayasree M. G., and Shri Lal Chhandama, Joint Secretaries, Department of Rural Development. A large number of officers and staff members of the Department also participated in the event, reaffirming their commitment to wellness, healthy living, and holistic development.
A Yoga session was held at Seva Teerth today in New Delhi on the occasion of the International Day of Yoga.
Officers of the Prime Minister’s Office, Cabinet Secretariat and the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) participated in the Yoga session.
The Prime Minister’s Office posted on X;
“Today, on Yoga Day, a Yoga session was held at Seva Teerth, where officers of the Prime Minister’s Office, Cabinet Secretariat and NSCS took part.”
Yoga Must Become a 365-Day Movement, Not a One-Day Event: Piyush Goyal
Thousands participate at Dana Pani Beach, Kora Kendra and Terapanth Bhavan as Union Minister links personal wellness with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
On the occasion of the 12th International Day of Yoga, Yoga Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm at Kora Kendra (Dome No. 3) in Kandivali West, Mumbai. On this occasion, Union Minister of Commerce & Industry and North Mumbai MP Piyush Goyal practised yoga along with citizens and highlighted the importance of yoga.
Mumbai | June 21, 2026: Uttar Mumbai MP & Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal on Sunday led International Yoga Day celebrations across multiple locations in Uttar Mumbai, including Dana Pani Beach in Malad West, Kora Kendra (Dome No. 3) in Kandivali West, and The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India’s Terapanth Bhavan in Kandivali East, where he participated in yoga sessions, encouraged citizens to adopt yoga as a daily practice, and reiterated the importance of physical and mental well-being as essential pillars of a developed India.
Large numbers of citizens, children, senior citizens, yoga practitioners and community members participated enthusiastically in the programmes. Piyush Goyal performed various yoga asanas along with participants and emphasized that yoga should not remain limited to a single annual celebration.
Addressing the gathering, Goyal said yoga must become a regular part of everyday life.
“We should not limit yoga to just one day in a year. Beginning June 21, we must strive to make yoga a year-round, weekly practice. This is beneficial for all of us and contributes to our overall health and well-being,” he said.
He highlighted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, International Yoga Day has evolved into a global movement, with millions of people across the world embracing yoga as a path to better health and inner balance.
“Today yoga has become a global movement. In nearly 190 countries, people are practicing yoga in different forms and at different times. Yoga is India’s gift to the world — a tradition that promotes harmony, health and inner peace,” Goyal said.
Reflecting on India’s civilizational heritage, Goyal stated that the country’s progress towards becoming a developed nation must remain rooted in culture, traditions, values and family systems.
“India needs development, progress and prosperity. At the same time, our culture, values, education and traditions passed down through generations possess the strength to guide not only our nation but the entire world,” he said.
Sharing a personal experience, Goyal recalled how Prime Minister Narendra Modi motivated him to resume yoga during the COVID-19 pandemic when he was facing health challenges and fatigue.
He said that during a meeting, Prime Minister Modi advised him to restart yoga, emphasizing that it would improve both his voice and health. Goyal noted that the very next day arrangements were made to help him resume yoga practice under expert guidance.
“Since 2020, I have remained committed to this discipline. Even while travelling abroad, I continued yoga sessions through video calls and incorporated yoga into my daily routine,” he said.
Goyal remarked that yoga stands apart because of its simplicity and accessibility.
“Yoga requires no expensive equipment, no special facilities and no compulsion. One only needs to practice according to one’s physical condition and limitations. Yoga does not demand perfection it only brings benefits and never causes harm,” he said.
He further emphasized that a healthy society is essential for nation-building and linked personal well-being with India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047.
“We are all soldiers in the journey towards a Viksit Bharat. India’s progress depends on the collective efforts of 140 crore citizens. If we do not take care of our own health and well-being, how can we contribute effectively to the nation?” Goyal said.
He urged citizens to make yoga a personal commitment and encourage their families and communities to adopt the practice.
“I urge each one of you to embrace yoga in your daily life. Practice it at home, on your terrace, in your locality or community. It is simple, accessible and meant for everyone,” he said.
Goyal also expressed gratitude for the blessings and presence of spiritual leaders including Gurudev Pujya Nayan Padmasagarji Maharaj, stating that their guidance inspires society to live a life rooted in values and wellness.
Piyush Goyal Calls for North Mumbai Cleanliness Campaign After Spotting Garbage Heaps While Travelling Between Yoga Day Events
While travelling from one Yoga event to another in Goyal noticed heaps of garbage at several locations along the route. Concerned by the situation, he immediately contacted the ward office, municipal authorities and local public representatives, directing them to launch a cleanliness drive across Uttar Mumbai from the very next day.
Speaking on the need for collective civic responsibility, Goyal said that while citizens take care to keep their homes clean, equal attention must be paid to maintaining cleanliness in neighbourhoods, public spaces and society at large. He further noted that cleanliness should extend beyond physical surroundings to include honesty and integrity in social and business conduct. Goyal emphasized that if every citizen takes responsibility for keeping their surroundings clean and their work transparent and honest, no force in the world can stop India from becoming a developed nation.
The International Yoga Day celebrations across Uttar Mumbai concluded with enthusiastic participation and reinforced the growing awareness about yoga as an integral part of a healthier lifestyle and a stronger, developed India.
