PM Modi hails youth embracing Yoga after Slovak schoolchildren's demonstration
Synopsis
Days before International Yoga Day, PM Modi watched Slovak schoolchildren perform Yoga at the Presidential Palace in Bratislava — and met the scholar who translated the Upanishads into Slovak. It is a snapshot of India's soft power in action, using an ancient practice to build bridges where formal diplomacy alone cannot reach.
Key Takeaways
PM Narendra Modi witnessed a Yoga demonstration by Slovak schoolchildren at the Presidential Palace of Slovakia in Bratislava on 16 June .
Slovak President Peter Pellegrini joined Modi for the event, with the MEA noting growing cultural engagement between India and Slovakia .
Modi posted about the event on X , saying it was 'delightful to see the youth embrace Yoga' ahead of International Yoga Day on 21 June .
Róbert Gáfrik , the Slovak scholar who translated the Upanishads into Slovak.
International Yoga Day was proposed by Modi at the UN General Assembly in September 2014 and officially proclaimed by the UN on 11 December 2014 .
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, 16 June expressed delight at witnessing a special Yoga demonstration by schoolchildren from Slovakia, calling it a testament to the ancient Indian practice's growing global resonance. The moment came during his visit to Bratislava, just days before International Yoga Day on 21 June.
The Demonstration at the Presidential Palace
The Yoga session was held at the Presidential Palace of Slovakia, where Prime Minister Modi and Slovak President Peter Pellegrini observed Slovak schoolchildren perform Yoga together. A similar camp had also been organised at the palace on Monday, with Slovakian youth practising in the presence of both leaders.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) noted that both leaders acknowledged the expanding cultural engagement between India and Slovakia, as well as Yoga's universal appeal as a means of promoting 'physical well-being, mental harmony and healthy living.'
What PM Modi Said on X
Taking to social media platform X, Prime Minister Modi wrote: 'President Pellegrini and I were delighted to witness a special Yoga demonstration by schoolchildren from Slovakia. As the world counts down to International Yoga Day, it is delightful to see the youth embrace Yoga. Also happy to see Yoga continuing to bring people together in the shared pursuit of well-being.'
Meeting with a Slovak Scholar of Indian Thought
In a separate post, Prime Minister Modi shared details of his meeting with Dr. Róbert Gáfrik, a noted Slovak scholar credited with translating the Upanishads into the Slovak language. 'In Bratislava yesterday evening, I met Dr. Róbert Gáfrik, who has spearheaded the effort to translate the Upanishads into Slovak. His passion for Indian history, culture and spirituality is commendable,' Modi said.
The meeting underscored the depth of cultural and intellectual ties between the two nations, going beyond diplomatic formalities to encompass shared civilisational interests.
The Significance of International Yoga Day
International Yoga Day is observed every year on 21 June to promote awareness of Yoga's physical, mental, and spiritual benefits. The observance traces its origins to Prime Minister Modi's address to the United Nations General Assembly in September 2014, when he first proposed the idea. The United Nations officially proclaimed 21 June as the International Day of Yoga on 11 December 2014.
The date coincides with the summer solstice — the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere — chosen to symbolise harmony between humanity and nature. Over the years, the observance has grown into a global movement, with millions participating in Yoga sessions and wellness programmes worldwide.
India-Slovakia Cultural Ties
The Bratislava events reflect a broader effort by New Delhi to use Yoga as a vehicle for soft power and people-to-people diplomacy. Slovakia's engagement — from schoolchildren performing asanas to scholars translating ancient Sanskrit texts — points to a deepening cultural connection that extends well beyond trade or geopolitical alignment. As 21 June approaches, this visit is likely to serve as a high-visibility moment in India's global Yoga diplomacy.
Point of View
A president watching alongside an Indian prime minister, a scholar with a Slovak edition of the Upanishads — is precisely the kind of soft-power moment that New Delhi has cultivated since 2014. Yoga diplomacy costs little and lands broadly, cutting across political alignments in ways that defence or trade agreements rarely do. The question worth asking is whether these cultural touchpoints are translating into substantive bilateral outcomes — in trade, technology, or strategic coordination — or whether they remain, however warmly received, a pleasant surface with limited depth.
NationPress
11 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened during PM Modi's visit to Bratislava on 16 June?
PM Modi and Slovak President Peter Pellegrini watched a special Yoga demonstration by Slovak schoolchildren at the Presidential Palace of Slovakia. A Yoga camp had also been held at the palace the previous day, Monday, with Slovakian youth practising in the presence of both leaders.
What did PM Modi say about the Yoga demonstration on X?
PM Modi posted on X that he and President Pellegrini were 'delighted' to witness the demonstration, adding it was 'delightful to see the youth embrace Yoga' as the world counted down to International Yoga Day. He also said Yoga continues to bring people together in the 'shared pursuit of well-being.'
Who is Dr. Róbert Gáfrik and why did PM Modi meet him?
Dr. Róbert Gáfrik is a noted Slovak scholar who has played a key role in translating the Upanishads into the Slovak language. PM Modi met him in Bratislava and praised his 'passion for Indian history, culture and spirituality.'
When and how did International Yoga Day begin?
International Yoga Day is observed every year on 21 June. The idea was proposed by PM Modi at the United Nations General Assembly in September 2014, and the UN officially proclaimed 21 June as the International Day of Yoga on 11 December 2014.
Why is 21 June chosen as International Yoga Day?
21 June coincides with the summer solstice, the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, chosen to symbolise harmony between humanity and nature — a theme central to Yoga's philosophy.
