New Delhi – Yoga, derived from the Sanskrit root "Yuj," meaning to unite, has transcended borders to become a global symbol of harmony and well-being. Since the United Nations declared June 21 as the International Day of Yoga in 2014, it has been Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s personal mission to popularize yoga as both an ancient Indian tradition and a modern tool for wellness.

It was PM Modi himself who, in his maiden address to the UN General Assembly on September 27, 2014, proposed the idea of dedicating a day to Yoga, describing it as “India’s gift to the world.” This vision was formally recognized when the UN passed Resolution 69/131 on December 11, 2014, with 177 nations co-sponsoring — one of the highest support levels for a UN resolution.

Since then, PM Modi has actively participated in Yoga Day celebrations every year, making it a key event in his annual calendar. Here's a year-by-year look at how he has celebrated International Yoga Day since 2015:

🔶 2015 – Rajpath, New Delhi

The first-ever International Day of Yoga was held on June 21, 2015, at Rajpath in New Delhi, with over 35,000 participants, including diplomats, officials, students, and citizens.

• PM Modi led the session himself, performing asanas on a yellow mat placed prominently.

• The event created two Guinness World Records:

  1. Largest yoga lesson with 35,985 participants.

  2. Most nationalities (84) participating in a single yoga event.

“Yoga is not just about exercise, it is a way to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and the nature,” said PM Modi in his address.

🔶 2016 – Capitol Complex, Chandigarh

PM Modi chose Chandigarh, a planned city designed by Le Corbusier, as the venue.

• Over 30,000 people, including students and paramilitary forces, joined him.

• The focus was on "Yoga for the Youth" and its benefits for mind-body discipline.

🔶 2017 – Ramabai Ambedkar Ground, Lucknow

In a show of inclusive leadership, PM Modi celebrated with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

• Despite heavy rain, the event saw over 50,000 participants.

• The session emphasized Yoga as a preventive health measure.

🔶 2018 – Forest Research Institute, Dehradun

Held in the scenic Doon Valley, the celebration had a natural setting among tall sal trees.

• PM Modi was joined by more than 50,000 yoga enthusiasts.

• He reiterated Yoga’s role in sustainable living and mental health.

🔶 2019 – Prabhat Tara Ground, Ranchi

Taking Yoga Day to the tribal heartland of Jharkhand, Modi said:

“Yoga belongs to everyone. It is ancient yet modern, constant yet evolving.”

• Focus was placed on reaching grassroots and tribal populations.

• Around 40,000 people attended despite logistical challenges.

🔶 2020 – Virtual Celebration Amid COVID-19

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the theme was “Yoga at Home and Yoga with Family.”

• PM Modi led a virtual address, encouraging people to build immunity and mental resilience through yoga.

• No mass gatherings were held.

🔶 2021 – Hybrid Format

Still under pandemic restrictions, 2021's theme was “Yoga for Wellness.”

• Modi unveiled the M-Yoga app, developed in collaboration with WHO, providing yoga training in multiple languages.

• He called Yoga a “ray of hope” amid the pandemic.

🔶 2022 – Mysuru Palace, Karnataka

Returning to public events, PM Modi led 15,000 participants in front of the iconic Mysuru Palace.

• Part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrating 75 years of independence.

• 75 heritage locations across India hosted simultaneous yoga sessions.

🔶 2023 – Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh

The theme was “Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (One Earth, One Family, One Future).

• Over 50,000 people joined from tribal districts.

• The government emphasized Yoga tourism and local wellness retreats.

🔶 2024 – United Nations Headquarters, New York

For the 10th anniversary of Yoga Day, PM Modi led the global event at UN Headquarters in New York.

• Attended by UN diplomats, celebrities, and yoga practitioners from over 130 countries.

• Created a Guinness Record for most nationalities in a single yoga session on foreign soil.

“Yoga is a global heritage. Today, it is uniting the world in peace and health,” PM Modi said in his UN address.

🔶 2025 – Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh

This year’s celebration took place along a 26-kilometre-long beach yoga corridor from R.K. Beach to Bhogapuram in Visakhapatnam.

• Over 1.5 lakh people, including 25,000 tribal students, participated in a historic Surya Namaskar session.

• Andhra Pradesh created a Guinness World Record for the highest number of people performing Surya Namaskars in one place.

• PM Modi emphasized Yoga as a bridge between humanity and nature.

“Yoga teaches us we are not isolated individuals but integral parts of nature,” he said.

🌍 Global Impact and Cultural Diplomacy

Under PM Modi’s leadership, Yoga Day has become a tool of cultural diplomacy:

• Indian embassies worldwide hold local yoga events.

• From Sydney Opera House to Times Square, global landmarks host mass yoga sessions.

• The Ayush Ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs, supports international yoga campaigns.

🧘 Themes of International Yoga Day (2015–2025):

💬 Conclusion

From Delhi’s Rajpath to New York’s UN lawns, PM Narendra Modi has turned International Yoga Day into a soft power milestone for India. His consistent personal involvement, regardless of geography or global circumstance, underscores a message that is deeply spiritual and geopolitically strategic: India is the home of wellness, unity, and ancient wisdom.

Yoga Day has not only cemented its place on the global calendar but also become a cornerstone of India’s cultural diplomacy, thanks in large part to PM Modi’s steadfast advocacy since 2014.

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