International Day of Yoga Celebrations

Today, on the occasion of the International Day of Yoga, the dignitaries sharing the dais with me, Hon’ble LG, Union Territory of Ladakh, Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena Ji; I know Shri Vinai Ji, when he was LG of Delhi and I am glad that he has been given the charge here. Hon’ble MP, Lok Sabha from Ladakh, Shri Mohmad Haneefa Ji; Chief Secretary, Government of U.T of Ladakh, Shri Ashish Kundra Ji; Chief Executive Councilor (L.A.H.D.C Leh), Advocate; Tashi Gyalson Ji; Bhaiyon and Behnon. Sabko Namaskar!

It is a privilege to join you all today here in this breathtaking land-scape of Leh Ladakh. This is my first visit to Leh Ladakh since assuming the office of Vice-President of India and I am happy that it is on such a significant occasion of the International Day of Yoga.

I extend my warm greetings to everyone gathered at this venue. I also greet the millions of people across Bharat and the world celebrating this special day. The setting in which we meet today is particularly meaningful. Surrounded by the majestic Himalayasof Ladakh, we are reminded of the profound connection between humanity and nature. Yoga teaches us that true well-being arises when there is harmony between us and the world around us. Few places embody this harmony as beautifully as Ladakh.

The International Day of Yoga is more than a celebration of physical exercise. It is a recognition of an ancient gift from Bharat to humanity. Our Rishis and Munis, through years of meditation, austerity, and spiritual inquiry, developed a holistic system that nurtures the body, calms the mind, and elevates the soul. We are especially proud that the global recognition of Yoga received re-newed momentum through the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shriman Narendra Modi Ji. In his address to the United Nations General Assembly in 2014, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shriman Narendra Modi Ji called upon the international community to adopt a Day for Yoga, describing it as a gift of India’s ancient tradition. The proposal received huge support from over 175 member nations, leading to the United Nations declaring 21 June as the International Day of Yoga. This remarkable achievement reflects both the universal appeal of yoga and India’s enduring contribution to global well-being.

Over the years, yoga has crossed geographical, cultural, and linguistic boundaries. Today, people across continents practice yoga as a path to health, mindfulness, and inner peace. It has become a powerful symbol of unity, demonstrating how an ancient tradition can address challenges of today. In an era of rapid technological change, demanding lifestyles, and increasing stress, the relevance of yoga has never been greater. Yoga reminds us to cultivate balance, mindfulness, and inner strength. It promotes physical fitness, mental clarity, emotional stability, and social harmony. Its message is universal—that wellness is not merely the absence of illness but a state of complete physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

The significance of practicing yoga in a region like Ladakh is especially inspiring. Life at high altitude demands endurance, discipline, and adapt-ability. These are the qualities that are nurtured by yoga too. The people of Ladakh have long exemplified resilience, simplicity, and harmony with nature, values that resonate deeply with the philosophy of yoga.

Advances in healthcare, public health systems, and decreasing mortality rates have increased human life expectancy across nations. Bharat too is witnessing this profound demographic change. The India Ageing Report 2023, released by the United Nations Population Fund, states that by 2050, the elderly will be nearly 20% of India’s population. While we celebrate this gift of longer life span, it places upon society a huge responsibility of, ensuring that added years to life also mean added life to years. Within this context, this year’s theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” emerges as a timely message. I also believe that the earlier one begins the practice of Yoga, the greater the benefits through-out life. I am pleased to note that the National Education Policy 2020 accords Yoga a significant place. It has made yoga as an integral component of health, wellness, and value-based education for students.

To the youth gathered here, I have a special message. Yoga is more than an activity for a single day. It is a lifelong investment in your health and character. By embracing yoga, you develop concentration and self-confidence—qualities that are essential for your personal success and collective nation-building.
As we celebrate this day, let us carry forward the spirit of yoga beyond the mat. Let us practice compassion in our interactions, balance in our lifestyles, responsibility towards our environment, and unity within our communities. These values are as important as the physical postures themselves.

I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of all the organizers, yoga instructors, volunteers, educational institutions, civil administration, armed forces, and community organizations whose dedication has made this event a grand success. On this International Day of Yoga, let us commit to building a healthier, happier, and more peaceful society. Let us make yoga a part of our daily lives and inspire others to experience its transformative power. I once again extend my best wishes to everyone present here for a healthy and happy life.

• Jai Hind!
• Long Live Mother Bharat!

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