Prime Minister Narendra Modi took centre stage at the International Day of Yoga 2026 celebrations in Kolkata on Sunday, where he not only participated in yoga sessions alongside thousands of people but also personally guided participants and helped them correct their postures during the event.
The grand gathering at Kolkata’s historic Red Road witnessed enthusiastic participation from people of different age groups as the country marked the 12th edition of International Yoga Day. Images and videos of the Prime Minister interacting with participants quickly gained attention on social media, making the event one of the most talked-about moments of the day.
PM Modi Joins Participants And Offers Guidance
During the Common Protocol Yoga session, participants followed instructions from the main stage while performing various yoga asanas. The Prime Minister was seen observing participants closely and helping some of them improve their posture and technique.
The gesture drew appreciation from attendees, who described the interaction as encouraging and inspiring. Thousands joined the session, turning the iconic Red Road into a massive yoga arena.
“Yoga Can Make You Stronger With Age”
Addressing the gathering, Modi said that this year’s theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” should not be viewed only from the perspective of senior citizens. Instead, he said the message is relevant for every age group and promotes lifelong wellness.
“When we talk about Yoga for healthy ageing, it means ensuring that age never becomes a barrier to human potential. Yoga helps individuals continue growing physically and mentally throughout life,” the Prime Minister said.
Highlighting the long-term benefits of the ancient practice, he added, “Our goal should be to be more flexible at 40 than we were at 20, more energetic at 50 than we were at 30, and more resistant to lifestyle diseases at 70 than we were at 50. Yoga helps us achieve that.”
Focus On Health, Energy And Well-Being
The Prime Minister stressed that yoga is much more than physical exercise. According to him, it strengthens mental resilience, improves physical endurance and helps people deal with modern lifestyle-related health challenges.
He noted that as populations across the world continue to age and lifestyle diseases become increasingly common, the importance of preventive health practices such as yoga is growing rapidly.
The theme “Yoga for Healthy Ageing” reflects the global effort to improve not just lifespan but also the quality of life people enjoy as they grow older.
A Global Movement That Started From India
International Yoga Day is observed every year on June 21 after the United Nations adopted the proposal in 2014. The initiative, introduced by Prime Minister Modi during the 69th session of the UN General Assembly, received support from 175 member countries, making it one of the most widely backed resolutions in UN history.
More than a decade later, Yoga Day is now celebrated across continents, with millions of people participating in events aimed at promoting physical fitness, mental wellness and holistic health.
