India celebrates the 11th International Day of Yoga today under the official theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”. In a major flagship event along a 26 km corridor from Ramakrishna Beach to Bhogapuram, Prime Minister Narendra Modi led a synchronised session of the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) with over 300,000 participants, part of a nationwide “Yoga Sangam” coordinated across more than 100,000 locations, according to The Economic Times.
State officials reported a remarkable 2.39 crore registrants in Andhra Pradesh alone, exceeding the government’s two crore target.
The corridor was digitally and logistically divided into 326 compartments, each accommodating up to 1,000 participants, supported by 1,438 trained yoga demonstrators, 907 certified instructors, and a team of stewards, medical staff, sanitation workers, and ANMs, as explained by The Times of India. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu emphasised that 5,451 master trainers had mobilised more than 1.05 crore individuals, with plans underway to integrate yoga into the school curriculum from Class IX and explore the establishment of a deemed yoga university.
Speaking at the venue, PM Modi highlighted yoga’s inclusive spirit. “Yoga is for everyone, beyond boundaries, backgrounds, age or ability,” he asserted, reaffirming his call for “Yoga for Humanity 2.0”, urging that inner tranquillity inform global policymaking. Modi also described yoga as a “pause button” that humanity needs amid global unrest, linking its practice with worldwide peace and calm.
Global Diplomacy and Armed Forces
The event also featured participation from Indian Navy personnel aboard INS units off the Visakhapatnam coast, as well as diplomats from Japan, France, Russia, and other nations, according to India Today. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh led a yoga session at a military cantonment in Udhampur, Jammu & Kashmir, lauding the troops’ dedication and linking the ceremony with recent operations in the region, as covered by NDTV.
State-Level Highlights
In Kanpur, Green Park Stadium saw participation by approximately 10,000 people, including youth and children, with early entry from 5:30 a.m. and certificates awarded via QR-code registration, per the Times of India. The Art of Living organisation led advanced asanas performed to music.
Across Delhi–NCR, more than five major events unfolded, as reported yesterday by Navbharat Times. Notable venues included mall complexes in Gurugram, Noida, and Dwarka, offering both in-person and Instagram-friendly photo opportunities.
Internationally, Japan, London, and New York witnessed diplomatic and community-led yoga sessions. In Tokyo, more than 2,000 people—including the spouses of both the Japanese prime minister and foreign minister—took part, with a speech delivered by India’s Ambassador, Sibi George, Times of India notes. Meanwhile, Bollywood actor Anupam Kher led a symbolic session at Times Square, New York. In London, hundreds gathered at The Strand under the UK High Commission’s banner.
Broadcast Media & Live Coverage
Live coverage across major media outlets offered real-time updates. The Times of India described Prime Minister Modi’s look at yoga as a “pause button,” while NDTV highlighted six impactful quotes by the PM on peace, unity, and global policy. Deccan Herald detailed that CM Yogi Adityanath performed in Gorakhpur and that Rajnath Singh led his J&K session, noting that key events were held across the UK and for regional governors.
Public Logistics & Community Reach
Public transport adjusted schedules in Delhi to support early arrival, with trains starting at 4 a.m., as reported by Livemint. Indian participants can download participation certificates via an online AYUSH portal after registering for the event.
