Overview
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 12th International Yoga Day celebration in Kolkata on June 21, 2026. He praised the state's cleanliness drive, highlighted the theme "Yoga for Healthy Ageing", and urged citizens to adopt yoga as a daily habit.
Key Developments
- Recognition of the Swachhata Se Swagat initiative in Bengal as a model for the nation.
- Emphasis on the 2026 theme Yoga for Healthy Ageing to keep people active beyond 40 years.
- Launch of the "Yoga 365" programme, a 100‑day online yoga challenge.
- Over 3 million participants from 130 countries joined the online yoga drive.
- References to cultural icons – Ramakrishna Paramhansa, Swami Vivekananda, Maharshi Aurobindo, Lahiri Mahasaya – to underline yoga’s historic roots in Bengal.
- Citation of a verse from the Gita to stress balance in diet, work and sleep.
Important Facts
The speech was delivered in the presence of Governor R. N. Ravi, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and Union Minister Prataprao Jadhav. Modi highlighted that yoga connects the nation from the Himalayas to the Indian Ocean, and that the collective celebration reflects "the true power of yoga". He linked yoga to physical health, mental well‑being and even world peace, stating that balanced living can eradicate sorrow.
Exam Relevance
For GS‑2 (Polity) candidates, the speech showcases how the central government uses cultural festivals to promote national integration and health policy. GS‑3 aspirants should note the health‑centric theme, the scale of public participation, and the link to the Swachh Bharat Mission. GS‑1 candidates can explore the historical contributions of Bengal’s saints to yoga, while GS‑4 (Ethics) students can analyse the moral message of balance and responsibility embedded in the address.
Way Forward
Modi urged citizens to make yoga a daily practice, not a one‑day event. He called for continued support to cleanliness drives, regular community yoga sessions, and integration of yoga in school curricula. The government plans to expand the Yoga 365 model to reach rural areas and senior citizens, thereby strengthening public health and social cohesion.