नवीनतम
PM Modi to lead Yoga Day celebrations in Kolkata on June 21
KOLKATA [Maha Media]: In a major development, the union Ministry of AYUSH announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to attend the main International Yoga Day celebrations in Kolkata on June 21, with this year’s flagship national programme set to be hosted in the city.
The mega event for the first time after the BJP government came to power in West Bengal is likely to take place at Red Road and adjoining areas, where participation of more than one lakh people is expected.
The announcement was made by union Minister of State for AYUSH Prataprao Jadhav during the inauguration of the 25-day countdown programme for International Yoga Day at the Western Group of Temples complex in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh.
He said Kolkata, known for its rich cultural and spiritual heritage, had been selected as the venue for this year’s central celebrations.
The decision is being seen as a major recognition for West Bengal and has already triggered extensive preparations by the state administration.
Officials are expected to coordinate with central agencies regarding security, traffic management and logistical arrangements for the high-profile programme.
According to the AYUSH Ministry, the theme for this year’s Yoga Day celebrations will be “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”.
Jadhav also said yoga was increasingly becoming essential for maintaining physical and mental well-being with advancing age.
He described yoga not merely as exercise but as an integral part of India’s ancient knowledge system and a crucial component of preventive healthcare.
The minister said the AYUSH Ministry, under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, had been continuously working to expand the reach of yoga across villages, cities, schools, offices and among the general public.
He also highlighted initiatives such as “Ayush Aahar”, aimed at promoting balanced diets, disciplined lifestyles and holistic wellness.
The announcement sparked enthusiasm among yoga enthusiasts and organisers in Kolkata.
Recently, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari had held a meeting with yoga experts at Nabanna, where he had hinted at the possibility of Kolkata hosting the main Yoga Day programme.
Bivash Majumdar, state secretary of Krirabharati, said organisers had long wanted Kolkata to host the flagship event but political circumstances in previous years had prevented it.
Abhijit Ghosh, secretary of the Yoga Day Celebration Committee, said June 21 would become a historic day for the city.
At the Khajuraho programme, the union minister also launched the upgraded “Yoga Sangam Portal” to simplify online registration and increase public participation.
A new “Yoga Park Portal” was also introduced to encourage the creation of dedicated yoga spaces in states and educational institutions.
Officials said more than two lakh people had already participated in the 100-day free yoga training programme under the “Yoga 365 Campaign” and received “Yoga Mitra” certificates.
