On the occasion of the 11th International Yoga Day, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath led a mass yoga session in Gorakhpur, underlining the global impact of India’s ancient wellness tradition. Speaking at the Mahant Digvijay Nath Smriti Bhawan, he highlighted yoga’s role in ensuring both physical and mental well-being, and expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking yoga to the global stage.
Yoga for global harmony and health
Themed “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” the event was part of the worldwide celebrations initiated by India since the United Nations adopted International Yoga Day in 2015. Yogi Adityanath called yoga a “mantra” rooted in India’s Rishi tradition, adding that it benefits not only the body but also the mind. A live telecast of Prime Minister Modi’s yoga session from Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, was also streamed at the venue.
“Yoga is a unique gift of Indian wisdom. By transforming yoga into a tool for public welfare, India has shown the world the path to holistic well-being,” Yogi Adityanath said. He noted with pride that more than 190 countries now observe Yoga Day, reflecting India’s growing cultural influence and the universal appeal of yoga.
A healthy body for a purposeful life
Yogi Adityanath further emphasized the importance of physical health in achieving the four goals of human life — Dharma (duty), Artha (prosperity), Kama (desire), and Moksha (liberation). “A healthy body is the medium of worldly progress and spiritual advancement. Whether it’s public service, fulfilling personal aspirations, or the journey toward salvation, good health is the starting point for all,” he told the gathering.
Highlighting the broader participation in the state, Yogi Adityanath mentioned that several ministers and officials were leading yoga sessions across districts. Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak attended a session at the historic Residency in Lucknow, while Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya joined celebrations in Ghaziabad. The coordinated participation across Uttar Pradesh was aimed at promoting yoga as a daily habit and a means of community well-being.
The mass yoga event in Gorakhpur, Yogi Adityanath’s stronghold and spiritual base, was symbolic of the merging of traditional wisdom with modern governance. As chants, breathing exercises, and yoga poses filled the morning air, the event reaffirmed the message of balance, unity, and health — values that the Chief Minister said are needed now more than ever.
Yogi Adityanath concluded his address by encouraging citizens to adopt yoga as a lifestyle practice, not just for personal benefit but as a contribution to a healthier and more harmonious society. The International Day of Yoga, he said, has not only showcased India’s soft power but also presented a universal path toward wellness and resilience.
