On June 21, Visakhapatnam witnessed a spectacle that blended tradition, discipline, and inspiration. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the 11th International Yoga Day celebrations along the serene Ramakrishna Beach, where lakhs gathered under the rising sun to practice an ancient Indian art that continues to unite the world.
In his address, PM Modi called yoga the “pause button humanity needs”—a poetic yet powerful metaphor that perfectly captured the moment. In an age where the world moves at a frantic pace, often pushing us toward stress and disconnection, yoga offers a rare opportunity to slow down, reflect, and realign with our inner selves. From schoolchildren to world leaders, everyone seems to be rediscovering this practice, and Saturday’s celebrations were a glowing testament to that global embrace.
A Global Movement Rooted in India
It’s hard to believe that just 11 years ago, the idea of International Yoga Day was a proposal put forth by India at the United Nations. Supported by a record 175 nations, it became official in 2014—and since then, June 21 has been marked by yoga mats unrolling across the globe, from Times Square to the Eiffel Tower, and now, the coastlines of Andhra Pradesh.
This year’s theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” highlighted the universality of yoga—not just as a personal practice but as a collective mission for human and planetary wellness. Whether it’s the asanas or the inner stillness it promotes, yoga is no longer confined to studios or spiritual retreats. It’s a mass movement that transcends religion, nationality, and age.
A Celebration on an Unprecedented Scale
Over 5 lakh participants joined the yoga session that stretched 26 kilometers from Visakhapatnam to Vizianagaram—an incredible feat in itself. From early morning, the energy was palpable. Children, elders, fitness enthusiasts, and spiritual seekers stood side by side, embodying what yoga truly means: unity.
Modi, joined by Andhra Pradesh Governor S. Abdul Nazeer, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan, and IT Minister Nara Lokesh, led the session from the iconic RK Beach. His presence wasn’t just ceremonial—it was symbolic. He is, after all, the face behind yoga’s diplomatic and cultural resurgence on the world stage.
From Tradition to Trend: Yoga’s New Era
PM Modi reminded the audience of yoga’s expanding global footprint—from the icy expanses of the Himalayas to the bustling cities of the West. But more importantly, he emphasized yoga’s inner dimension—mental clarity, emotional balance, and spiritual growth.
“Young or old, rural or urban, beginner or master—yoga is for everyone,” he said, and this inclusiveness is perhaps its greatest strength.
Chief Minister Naidu echoed the sentiment, crediting Modi for yoga’s rise as a mass phenomenon. He noted how Artificial Intelligence is now aiding yoga education, making it more accessible through virtual instructors and real-time posture correction. He also celebrated a proud moment for Andhra Pradesh: 22,000 tribal students performing Surya Namaskar together, setting a new Guinness World Record.
Yoga as a Mission, Not Just a Practice
What stood out in this year’s celebrations was the language used by the state leaders. Yoga wasn’t just described as an exercise—it was called a movement, a mission, and a demonstration of inner strength. That reframing is important. Yoga is no longer seen as optional; it’s being integrated into education, public health, and lifestyle transformation.
Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan rightly called it “a force for community health and harmony,” aligning perfectly with the broader “One Earth, One Health” vision.
Reflections: Why Yoga Still Matters in 2025
As someone who’s practiced yoga off and on over the years, I found PM Modi’s “pause button” analogy especially poignant. In a time of digital overload, political noise, and constant motion, we often forget the importance of stillness. Yoga gives us that space. It invites us to stop—not to disconnect, but to reconnect with what truly matters.
And seeing lakhs of people gather in harmony, breathing as one, was a reminder of how powerful collective calm can be in a chaotic world.
Final Thoughts
The 11th International Yoga Day in Visakhapatnam wasn’t just a success in numbers—it was a cultural landmark. It showed what’s possible when tradition meets modernity, when leadership meets participation, and when ancient wisdom is made relevant for a modern audience.
From Guinness World Records to AI-powered yoga training, from tribal students to global citizens, yoga is no longer a solo path—it’s a shared journey. And as PM Modi reminded us, it’s the pause we all need—not just to survive, but to thrive.
