On International Yoga Day, observed on 21 June, National Democratic Alliance (NDA) leaders across the country expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his pivotal role in securing global recognition for yoga, India's millennia-old tradition. Events were held in New Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata, with participation spanning all age groups.

Nadda Credits Modi's UN Push

Addressing a Yoga Day event in New Delhi, Union Minister J.P. Nadda recalled how Prime Minister Modi first raised the issue of yoga's global recognition at the United Nations in 2014, during his maiden address as India's Prime Minister. 'We know that Prime Minister Modi has taken Yoga, our very ancient tradition, to a global stage, presented its contributions to the world, and taken a significant step to popularise it globally,' Nadda said.

He noted that Modi had 'clearly said that the tradition of Yoga needs to be established at the global level' and appealed to the UN to dedicate an international day to its observance. By December 2014, the UN had declared 21 June as International Yoga Day, to be celebrated annually. Nadda pointed out that around 190 countries now participate in the observance.

Delhi and Parliamentary Leaders Join In

Delhi Legislative Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta said the campaign had reached 'almost every home' and that even children were actively participating. 'This day has been made possible due to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It is a huge achievement for the Indian government,' he said.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh also performed yoga at an event in the national capital, underscoring the cross-institutional embrace of the day.

Mumbai Events and BJP Leaders' Message

Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Anurag Thakur highlighted yoga's role in managing daily stress, 'especially when the world is reeling under a global crisis.' He described yoga as 'the only way which enables a person to improve the quality of living' and one that 'brings everyone together, on one platform.'

Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC, who participated in the 'Yoga by the Bay' event in Mumbai, noted that the initiative had been running for 12 years in the city since the Prime Minister championed yoga globally. 'In a fast-paced city like Mumbai, yoga ensures good health,' she said.

Modi Leads Kolkata Event

Prime Minister Modi led a large-scale Yoga Day gathering in Kolkata, which drew participation of approximately 35,000 people. The event was among the largest single-venue yoga observances held across the country on the day.

The Broader Significance

This year's observance marks over a decade since India's successful UN campaign. The scale of participation — spanning 190 countries and millions of practitioners — reflects how the initiative has evolved from a diplomatic proposal into a globally embedded wellness tradition. For the NDA, the day also serves as a political moment to reinforce Modi's international legacy, even as the practice itself transcends partisan lines.