Is Andhra Leading the Way in Yoga Day Celebrations with PM Modi in Vizag?

Visakhapatnam, June 20 (NationPress) Andhra Pradesh is emerging as a focal point in the worldwide quest for wellness and harmony as this port city prepares to host the primary event of the 11th International Day of Yoga.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who arrived here on Friday evening to spearhead the event, praised the leadership of Andhra Pradesh for bringing global attention to India. The Prime Minister received a warm welcome at the Visakhapatnam Airport from Governor S. Abdul Nazar, Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, Union Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, State Minister Nara Lokesh, and others.

On social media platform X, the Civil Aviation Minister expressed: "Honoured to receive Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji at Visakhapatnam today, alongside shri @ncbn Garu. His visit signifies a proud moment for Andhra Pradesh, as we host Yogandhra 2025—a national celebration of International Yoga Day here in Vizag. As global focus shifts to the transformative power of yoga, it’s encouraging to see our state take a leading role in this worldwide movement for wellness and unity."

During a discussion with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, and Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, the Prime Minister commended their efforts in organizing this grand event.

Chief Minister Naidu informed the Prime Minister that Yogandhra aims to set new world records.

After arriving, the Prime Minister visited naval air station INS Dega and later went to the Navy’s guesthouse for the night. He is scheduled to perform the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) with over three lakh participants on Saturday morning at RK Beach.

He will be accompanied by the Union Minister of State for Ayush, Prataprao Jadhav, and Chief Minister Naidu, in a massive display of India’s global wellness vision.

Extensive arrangements have been made over a 26-kilometer stretch from RK Beach to Bhogapuram.

The main event is slated to occur from 6:30 a.m. to 7:45 a.m., aligning with over 10 lakh locations nationwide under the ‘Yoga Sangam’ initiative.

Chief Minister Naidu welcomed the Prime Minister on behalf of the people of Andhra Pradesh. He posted on X that all districts are prepared to participate in the grand culmination of Yogandhra.

Naidu expressed that Andhra Pradesh is poised for a historic celebration, stating, “More than 2 crore individuals will join this movement across 1 lakh+ locations in our state. To be part of this grand celebration, find your nearest venue and participate. Together, let’s make YogaAndhra2025 a proud moment for our state!”

The state aims to achieve two Guinness World Records and a total of 22 world records through this Yoga Day initiative.

Chandrababu Naidu noted that arrangements have been made for 3.19 lakh participants to perform yoga simultaneously from RK Beach. On Yoga Day, participants from 8 lakh locations worldwide are expected to join.

“As the world focuses on the transformative power of yoga, it’s inspiring to see our state take centre stage in this global wellness movement,” said Ram Mohan Naidu.

The month-long 'Yogandhra' initiative, running from May 21 to June 21, included over 15,000 yoga competitions at tourist and significant locations, conducted from village to state levels. A total of 5,451 master trainers contributed to the execution. Certificates were issued to 1,05,58,299 participants in various yoga programs throughout the month. Each participant has been linked with Aadhaar and provided with a QR code.

The event’s theme is “Yoga for One Earth, One Health.” The state plans to integrate yoga into the curriculum starting from class 9, with intentions to hold yoga classes once or twice a week in schools. Plans for establishing a deemed university dedicated to yoga are also underway.