In a landmark celebration of the 11th International Yoga Day, the tranquil beaches of Visakhapatnam transformed into a vibrant hub of wellness and unity. Under the global theme "One Earth, One Health," the event brought together Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, and Minister Nara Lokesh for a spectacular coastal yoga session that attracted thousands of participants from across the region.
Prime Minister Modi delivered a powerful message highlighting yoga’s global reach and its role as a connector across nations, cultures, and even into outer space. “Yoga unites the world. It transcends borders, age, and cultures. It is a symbol of discipline and consciousness,” he said, reflecting on how over 175 countries have embraced yoga with practice locations across 12 lakh sites worldwide.
He praised institutions like Delhi AIIMS for pioneering yoga-based treatments and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding accessibility. Modi also emphasized personal wellness by urging citizens to reduce oil intake in meals and embrace holistic living. His address reiterated that yoga is more than a physical practice it's a way of aligning lifestyle, values, and global consciousness.
Visakhapatnam’s Coastal Celebration and Andhra’s Yoga Movement
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu declared the event a proud moment for the state, describing Visakhapatnam’s coast as “a meeting point of nature and progress.” With 2.17 crore people reportedly enrolled in yoga activities across Andhra Pradesh, the celebration stood out as one of the most massive in the country. The CM spotlighted impressive participation from tribal school students who set new records in synchronized Surya Namaskars.
A major announcement followed with the launch of the "Yoga League," set to begin in September 2025. This initiative aims to further embed yoga into community life and schools, encouraging consistent practice and competition to drive awareness and fitness.
Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan applauded Modi for making yoga a global movement, calling it a moment of pride for every Indian. “Yoga is a proud Indian legacy. Modi Ji made the world recognize it. The ‘One Earth, One Health’ slogan must become our national ethos,” he said, echoing the cultural and spiritual roots of the practice.
The symbolic significance of holding the event by the sea added depth to the celebration. With asanas performed in rhythm to ocean waves, the event reflected the harmony between body, nature, and spirit core ideals of yoga. Thousands gathered, uniting across backgrounds to participate in a shared experience of peace, health, and mindfulness.
This celebration in Visakhapatnam was more than an event it was a movement. A reminder that yoga is not just about flexibility or breathing techniques, but about nurturing internal peace in a world often divided. It was a call for unity in health, in spirit, and in purpose truly bringing alive the vision of "One Earth, One Health."
