New Delhi, June 21, 2025: On the occasion of the 11th International Yoga Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered an inspiring address, describing yoga as a “pause button for the entire world going through stress.” Speaking at a grand event held at the Kartavya Path in New Delhi, Modi emphasized yoga’s transformative power in promoting mental peace, physical health, and global harmony amid rising global challenges. The event, attended by thousands of yoga enthusiasts, dignitaries, and international delegates, underscored India’s leadership in promoting yoga as a universal practice for holistic well-being. As the world marked the day with millions participating in yoga sessions across 190 countries, Modi’s message resonated as a call to embrace yoga’s timeless wisdom to navigate modern-day stress and foster unity.
Modi’s Vision for Yoga as a Global Stress Reliever
Addressing a diverse audience that included schoolchildren, diplomats, and health practitioners, Modi highlighted yoga’s role in countering the pressures of contemporary life. “In a world grappling with stress, anxiety, and conflict, yoga acts as a pause button, offering clarity, calm, and connection,” he said. “Yoga is not just a practice; it is a way of life that unites body, mind, and soul, helping individuals and societies find balance.” He cited the global surge in mental health challenges, exacerbated by geopolitical tensions and fast-paced lifestyles, and positioned yoga as a universal antidote accessible to all.
Modi, a long-time advocate of yoga, reflected on its global adoption since the UN declared June 21 as International Yoga Day in 2014, following India’s proposal. “From the streets of New York to the villages of Africa, yoga has transcended borders, cultures, and languages,” he noted. “It is India’s gift to humanity, rooted in our ancient heritage, yet relevant to the modern world.” He credited yoga with fostering resilience, citing its role in helping communities cope during the COVID-19 pandemic through breathing exercises like pranayama and mindfulness practices.
Highlights of International Yoga Day 2025
The 2025 theme, “Yoga for Self and Society,” emphasized yoga’s dual role in individual wellness and collective harmony. The main event at Kartavya Path saw over 10,000 participants, including Union Ministers, MPs, and foreign diplomats, performing asanas under the guidance of trained instructors. Modi himself participated, leading a 45-minute session that included Surya Namaskar, Tadasana, and meditation, symbolizing his personal commitment to the practice. Similar events unfolded across India, from Ladakh’s high-altitude terrains to Tamil Nadu’s coastal beaches, with state governments organizing mass yoga sessions in schools, colleges, and public spaces.
Globally, iconic landmarks like Times Square in New York, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, and Dubai’s Burj Khalifa hosted yoga sessions, reflecting the practice’s universal appeal. In India, the Ministry of AYUSH reported over 2 crore participants in organized events, while social media platforms buzzed with #YogaDay2025 posts. Users like @YogaWithIndia shared, “PM Modi’s words hit home—yoga is truly a pause button for our chaotic lives!” The Indian diaspora organized sessions in 50 countries, with events in Tokyo, Sydney, and London drawing thousands, showcasing yoga’s role in cultural diplomacy.
India’s Role in Globalizing Yoga
Modi’s address highlighted India’s efforts to institutionalize yoga worldwide. The establishment of the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in Gujarat and the inclusion of yoga in school curricula across 15 states were cited as milestones. “India is not just teaching yoga; we are building a global ecosystem for holistic health,” Modi said, referencing the government’s promotion of AYUSH systems (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy). He announced plans to train 1 lakh yoga instructors by 2027, targeting rural areas to empower youth and women through job opportunities.
The Prime Minister also praised the scientific validation of yoga’s benefits, citing studies that demonstrate its efficacy in reducing stress hormones, improving cardiovascular health, and enhancing mental resilience. A 2024 study by AIIMS Delhi, referenced during the event, found that regular yoga practice reduced anxiety levels by 40% in urban professionals, reinforcing Modi’s “pause button” metaphor. He urged global leaders to integrate yoga into public health policies, noting its low-cost, scalable impact.
Yoga Amid Global Challenges
Modi’s speech subtly addressed the backdrop of global tensions, including the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict and economic uncertainties, which have heightened stress worldwide. “When the world is divided, yoga unites,” he said, framing the practice as a tool for peacebuilding. He highlighted yoga’s alignment with India’s cultural ethos of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (the world is one family), a theme echoed at the G20 Summit in 2023, where India showcased yoga as a soft power asset.
The event also featured testimonials from international yoga practitioners, including a US-based instructor who credited yoga with aiding post-COVID recovery and a Japanese delegate who linked yoga to Japan’s mindfulness traditions. These stories underscored yoga’s cross-cultural relevance, with Modi noting, “Yoga speaks a universal language of healing, understood by all, regardless of faith or nationality.”
Government Initiatives and Future Plans
The Ministry of AYUSH, which spearheaded the day’s celebrations, launched the “Yoga for All” campaign, aiming to reach 5 crore new practitioners by 2030. Initiatives include free yoga camps in 1,000 Aspirational Districts, mobile apps like mYoga with multilingual tutorials, and partnerships with global wellness brands. The government also announced a ₹500 crore fund to establish yoga research centers in collaboration with IITs and AIIMS, focusing on its therapeutic applications for chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension.
Posts on X, such as @AYUSHIndia’s “Yoga Day 2025 is a movement for global wellness! Kudos to PM Modi for leading the charge,” reflected widespread support. However, some users, like @HealthFirstIN, called for more infrastructure, noting, “Rural yoga centers need better facilities to sustain this momentum.” The government responded by committing to 10,000 new yoga training centers in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities by 2026.
Challenges and Opportunities
While yoga’s global popularity is undeniable, challenges remain, including accessibility in underserved areas and addressing misconceptions about its religious connotations. Modi addressed these concerns, stating, “Yoga is secular, universal, and inclusive. It is a science of well-being, not a ritual.” The government’s push to certify yoga instructors through the Quality Council of India aims to standardize training and dispel myths, ensuring broader acceptance.
The economic impact of yoga is also significant, with India’s wellness industry projected to reach ₹2.5 lakh crore by 2027, per a FICCI report. Yoga tourism, with retreats in Rishikesh, Kerala, and Goa, attracted 5 lakh international visitors in 2024, boosting local economies. Modi’s vision includes positioning India as the global yoga capital, with plans for an International Yoga Festival in 2026 to mark the 12th Yoga Day.
A Call to Action
Modi concluded his address with a call to make yoga a daily habit: “Let yoga be your pause button—take 15 minutes a day to breathe, stretch, and reconnect.” He urged families to practice together, emphasizing its benefits for children in building focus and resilience. The event ended with a collective meditation session, symbolizing unity and calm amid global turbulence.
As International Yoga Day 2025 concluded, Modi’s message reverberated across the world, reinforcing yoga’s role as a beacon of hope and harmony. With India leading the charge, yoga continues to inspire millions to press pause, find balance, and embrace a healthier, more connected future.