Mann Ki Baat: PM Modi Hails International Day Of Yoga 2025 As Global Symbol Of Peace And Unity
Addressing the 123rd episode of his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat', PM Modi said Yoga has become an integral part of people's lives, both in India and across the world.
"All of you right now must be feeling the energy of Yoga and the memories of the International Day of Yoga. This year, too, on June 21, millions across the country and the world participated in Yoga Day. You must remember that it all began 10 years ago, and every year this tradition is becoming grander than before. This indicates that more and more people are incorporating Yoga into their daily lives," he said.
Highlighting some of the most captivating moments from this year's celebrations, the Prime Minister referred to the massive gathering of three lakh people performing Yoga on the beaches of Visakhapatnam.
"Another incredible sight from Visakhapatnam, over 2,000 tribal students performed 108 Surya Namaskars for 108 minutes. Imagine how much discipline and dedication they must have had," he remarked.
He also praised the unique observances on Indian Naval ships, the participation of over 3,000 specially-abled individuals in Telangana, and the Yoga sessions conducted on the banks of the Yamuna River, which also helped promote the clean Yamuna initiative.
"In Jammu and Kashmir, people performed Yoga on the Chenab Bridge, the world's highest railway bridge. Yoga was also performed by ITBP jawans at the snow-covered peaks of the Himalayas, showcasing a powerful blend of courage and spiritual discipline. The people of Gujarat also created a new history. People of Vadnagar set a new record when 2,121 people performed Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose) together," he added.
The Prime Minister applauded the global observance of the Yoga Day, noting that cities such as New York, London, Tokyo, and Paris hosted large-scale events.
"Every picture of Yoga Day from around the world conveyed a special message of peace, stability and balance," he said.
PM Modi also emphasised the significance of this year's theme -- Yoga For One Earth, One Health -- calling it a guiding principle that echoes the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, or "the world is one family".
Expressing confidence in the impact of this year's celebrations, the Prime Minister said, "The grandeur of this year's IDY will encourage more and more people to adopt Yoga into their daily lives."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
21 minutes ago
- The Hindu
Panneerselvam shifts stance, condemns BJP over Samagra Shiksha funds controversy
In a shift from his usual position towards the Union government, the ADMK Workers' Rights Retrieval Committee coordinator and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam on Tuesday (July 29, 2025) condemned the BJP-led Centre for not releasing funds to the State under the Samagra Shiksha scheme for 2024-25. 'Citing this [the non-acceptance of the State government to the Union government's conditions] as the reason for not providing the funds will not only affect the education of students, but also teachers. This action of the Central government is against the Right to Education Act and federalism,' Mr. Panneerselvam said in a statement, adding that the non-acceptance was a matter between the two governments. The ADMK Workers' Rights Retrieval Committee leader urged the Centre to release around ₹2,151.59 crore to the State under the scheme. From ally to 'uncertain' partner Ever since Mr. Panneerselvam rebelled against the AIADMK's former interim general secretary V.K. Sasikala in February 2017, he had been known as a staunch ally of the BJP. When he and the present general secretary of the party Edappadi K. Palaniswami came together six months later, he had publicly credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the reunion. In 2019, when Mr. Modi filed his nomination papers in Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency, Mr. Panneerselvam was among those who were there to greet him. Five years later, the former Chief Minister, who held the portfolio of Finance in the State government for about 10 years, contested as an Independent in the Ramaathapuram Lok Sabha seat unsuccessfully as part of the BJP-led alliance. But the AIADMK had faced the election only with the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) and SDPI. After the Dravidian major revived its alliance with the national party in April this year, Mr. Panneerselvam's position became uncertain in view of a 'hands-off' approach of the BJP towards him, as Union Minister for Home Affairs Amit Shah made it clear that 'we will not interfere in the internal affairs of the AIADMK,' when asked about the former Chief Minister's space in the alliance. The former Chief Minister had sought an audience with the Prime Minister during his latest trip to Tamil Nadu but no meeting took place between the two leaders, even though Mr. Palaniswami, along with his colleagues, met Mr. Modi at the Tiruchi airport on Saturday (July 26) night. On Mr. Panneerselvam's further course of action, Panruti S. Ramachandran, former Minister who has been an advisor to the former Chief Minister's camp, told The Hindu on Tuesday afternoon that 'when there is no place for him in the alliance, there is no point in continuing there.' Would the BJP not approach Mr. Panneerselvam again and take him back into its fold? 'There is no possibility, because Mr. Palaniswami is there in the alliance,' replied Mr. Ramachandran, adding that 'there is no way out for him [the Committee coordinator] than finding his own way.'
NDTV
an hour ago
- NDTV
"What Politics Is This?" Amit Shah Slams Opposition In Parliament: Top Quotes
Union Home Minister Amit Shah slammed the Opposition for criticising the government a day after security forces carried out 'Operation Mahadev' and eliminated three terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack. Here are Amit's Shah's top quotes Operation Sindoor killed those who sent the terrorists and Operation Mahadev killed those who carried out the attack. I expected that when they (the opposition) heard the news of the terrorists being killed in Pahalgam, they would be happy, but it seems that they are not happy about it. What kind of politics is this? I want to inform the entire country about 'Operation Mahadev' that took place yesterday through the House. Yesterday, in 'Operation Mahadev,' three terrorists named Suleman, Afghan, and Jibran were killed in a joint operation by the Army, CRPF, and Jammu Kashmir Police. Suleiman was an 'A' category terrorist, deeply involved in the Pahalgam and Gagangir terror attacks. Our intelligence agencies have substantial evidence of his role. Both Hamza Afghani and Jibran were also classified as 'A' grade terrorists, posing a serious threat to national security. Those who killed our innocent citizens in the Baisaran Valley included these three terrorists, and all three were killed yesterday. I extend heartfelt congratulations to all the personnel of the Army, CRPF, and Jammu and Kashmir Police on behalf of the House and the entire country. Today I want to say this clearly. PM Modi and our security forces not only eliminated the terrorists but also targeted those who sent them. The day Lashkar-e-Taiba claimed responsibility for the attack, we gave the responsibility of justice to our forces. We made sure that no terrorist and no terror sponsor could escape the consequences. I was pained when former Home Minister P Chidambaram raised a question about the proof of the terrorists coming from Pakistan. What is he trying to say? Whom does he want to save? What will you gain by saving Pakistan? We have proof that the three terrorists were Pakistanis. We have their voter ID numbers. The chocolates recovered from them were made in Pakistan. In Pahalgam, innocent civilians were brutally murdered after being questioned about their religion. I strongly condemn this and express my deepest condolences from the bottom of my heart to the families of those who were killed. Immediately after the Pahalgam attack, I met with the affected families. I saw a woman standing in front of me, who had become a widow just 6 days after her wedding - I can never forget that scene. Yesterday, Congress' Gaurav Gogoi said that PM Modi went to Bihar instead of Pahalgam on April 24. At the time of the Pahalgam attack, PM Modi was abroad. The day PM Modi went to Bihar, only Rahul Gandhi was in Pahalgam and no one else. It is the duty of the PM to give a befitting reply if there is such an attack on citizens of the country. Pakistan often claimed to be a victim of terrorism - and this was echoed even by ex-PM Manmohan Singh. But their army's participation in the last rites of terrorists clearly exposes the truth. Operation Sindoor has unmasked Pakistan before the entire world - showing how deeply its system is entangled with terrorism. They (the opposition) were asking yesterday, where did the culprits of the Pahalgam attack go? Out of the 10 names I read, 8 were those who carried out terrorist incidents during the time of Chidambaram. They have now been eliminated under the leadership of PM Modi. Those who hid during your time have been hunted down and finished off by our army. An attack took place in Uri, we conducted a surgical strike. An attack took place in Pulwama, so we conducted an air strike. And an attack took place in Pahalgam, so we went 100 km inside and eliminated 9 bases and over 100 terrorists.
NDTV
an hour ago
- NDTV
Actor Vijay Slams BJP For "Drama" On Cholas, Party Responds
Chennai: Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief and actor-politician Vijay has launched a scathing attack on the BJP and the ruling DMK, calling their recent posturing over Tamil pride and the Chola legacy a "coordinated drama" aimed at political gain ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Ariyalur to commemorate the 1,000th anniversary of Rajendra Chola I's maritime expedition to Southeast Asia, Vijay accused the BJP of "lecturing Tamil Nadu on its own history" while simultaneously "discriminating" against the state. "Had the DMK government given the Chola emperors the full honour they deserve, the anti-Tamil Union government wouldn't have stepped in to take credit. Instead, the DMK has welcomed PM Modi's visit as a matter of honour - this is not pride, it is surrender," said Vijay in a strongly-worded statement. The actor-politician alleged that the DMK had "mortgaged Tamil pride" to the BJP, describing it as "taking refuge under the very force it claims to oppose." He also pointed to the centre refusing to accept Keezhadi excavation findings, which the state believes establishes the antiquity of Tamil and Iron Age in this region much earlier than present estimates. "After attempting to hide strong evidence of Tamil civilisation and history at Keezhadi, the Centre's sudden talk of Chola pride is pure drama. And the DMK, founded by Annadurai, has compromised itself and surrendered to the anti-Tamil BJP," he charged. Vijay also reminded that it was his party that had last year demanded the setting up of a grand museum in Chennai celebrating the Chera, Chola and Pandya dynasties. He warned that the people of Tamil Nadu would "see through the political theatrics" and deliver a "fitting response in 2026." BJP's Karu Nagarajan responded sharply, accusing Vijay of peddling falsehoods and misrepresenting facts for political mileage. "Has any other Prime Minister embraced and showcased Tamil culture to the world like Narendra Modi? PM Modi has acted as an ambassador of Tamil pride," he said. He also dismissed Vijay's charges on Keezhadi, saying the central government had been fully supportive of archaeological excavations and discoveries in Tamil Nadu from the beginning. "It is unclear what Vijay is trying to achieve by linking the BJP and DMK. People are not fools," the BJP leader said. Though officially positioned as a cultural and historical event, Prime Minister Modi's visit to Ariyalur is being widely seen as part of the BJP's broader outreach to Tamil Nadu - a state where the party currently has little presence. With the 2026 Assembly elections on the horizon, both the BJP and emerging parties like Vijay's TVK are recalibrating their strategies. While Dravidian parties tread carefully, celebrating the Chola dynasty in a limited way, mindful of what they call "the severe caste discrimination and dominance of Aryan traditions" during the reign, the BJP is trying to capitalise on this.
