Visakhapatnam, June 21, 2025 – In a historic celebration of the 11th International Day of Yoga, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi led over 3 lakh citizens in the world’s largest-ever yoga gathering, held at the scenic coastline of Visakhapatnam. The event has been recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records.
Uniting the World Through Yoga
Addressing participants, the Prime Minister highlighted that yoga is a universal practice that transcends boundaries, backgrounds, and abilities. He described yoga as the “pause button humanity needs—to breathe, to balance, to become whole again.”
Leadership Presence and Vision
The event saw the presence of dignitaries including the Governor of Andhra Pradesh Shri Abdul Nazeer, Chief Minister Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu, and Union Ministers Shri Ram Mohan Naidu, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, and others. PM Modi praised their support and especially acknowledged the success of the YogAndhra Abhiyan campaign.
Record-Breaking Participation
Over 2.17 crore people participated in the state’s YogAndhra campaign, with highlights including 22,000 tribal students performing 12 rounds of Surya Namaskar in 15 minutes—also entering the Guinness Book of Records.
Global Recognition of India’s Wellness Legacy
Reflecting on the past decade, PM Modi shared how 175 countries supported India’s proposal at the UN to declare June 21 as International Yoga Day. “Yoga is for everyone, everywhere—from the Sydney Opera House to space stations,” he said.
Nationwide Celebrations
Senior leaders across the country also participated. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh led yoga in Udhampur, Home Minister Amit Shah in Ahmedabad, and Health Minister J.P. Nadda at Kartavya Path in New Delhi. Over 100 yoga events were held in Delhi alone.
Ayush Ministry’s Initiatives
Union Ayush Minister Shri Prataprao Jadhav announced initiatives such as Ayush Aahar—a moringa-based diet offered at 70 Delhi locations. He noted that yoga has become a global public health movement, thanks to PM Modi’s vision.
Celebrating Jan Bhagidari
The PM emphasized that the massive success of the event showcases India’s strength in collective action. “When citizens take ownership of national missions, no goal is too ambitious,” he concluded.
