International Yoga Day 2025: Gujarat BJP chief credits Modi for yoga's global rise
Synopsis
Gujarat BJP President Jagdish Vishwakarma used International Yoga Day 2025 to credit PM Modi with turning a millennia-old Indian practice into a UN-backed global movement — a pointed political framing that blends cultural pride with electoral messaging, just as the BJP looks to consolidate its identity as the party of Indian civilisational values.
Key Takeaways
Gujarat BJP President Jagdish Vishwakarma addressed a mass yoga session at Sabarmati Riverfront, Ahmedabad on 21 June 2025 .
Vishwakarma credited PM Narendra Modi with expanding global awareness of yoga as India's ancient heritage.
The event was organised by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation to mark International Yoga Day .
State Minister Darshana Vaghela and MP Dinesh Makwana were among officials present.
International Yoga Day has been observed on 21 June every year since a UN resolution in 2015 .
Gujarat Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Jagdish Vishwakarma on 21 June credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi with elevating yoga from an ancient Indian tradition to a globally recognised movement, speaking at a mass yoga session held at the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad on International Yoga Day. The event was organised by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation to mark the annual observance.
Key Developments at the Ahmedabad Event
Vishwakarma participated alongside a large gathering of citizens in the early-morning session, where participants performed yoga postures and breathing exercises under the guidance of instructors. State Minister Darshana Vaghela, Member of Parliament Dinesh Makwana, legislators, and other public representatives were also present at the Sabarmati Riverfront programme.
What Vishwakarma Said
'Due to the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, awareness about yoga, India's ancient heritage, has expanded globally. It is because of these efforts that we celebrate June 21 as International Yoga Day,' Vishwakarma told participants. He described yoga as more than physical exercise, calling it 'a way of life that brings balance to the body, mind and soul.' He also highlighted yoga's practical benefits, stating: 'Regular yoga practice reduces stress, increases concentration, strengthens immunity and helps develop a healthy lifestyle.'
Why International Yoga Day Matters
International Yoga Day has been observed annually on 21 June since 2015, following the adoption of a United Nations resolution that year — a resolution India championed under Modi's leadership. The day now sees yoga events held across countries worldwide, with a focus on promoting physical and mental well-being. This year's celebrations spanned Gujarat and the rest of the country, with community sessions drawing large public participation.
A Call to the Youth
Vishwakarma specifically urged young people to embrace yoga, calling on citizens to resolve to make it an integral part of their daily routines. His appeal reflected a broader push by BJP leaders to frame yoga not merely as a cultural symbol but as a public health tool relevant to modern life.
The Sabarmati Riverfront event is among thousands held globally on 21 June 2025, underscoring how the UN-backed observance has grown in scale and reach since its inception a decade ago.
Point of View
Where access to structured yoga instruction remains uneven across income groups. The UN resolution was a genuine diplomatic achievement; the question is whether annual celebrations are deepening that legacy or simply recycling it.
NationPress
21 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is International Yoga Day and when is it observed?
International Yoga Day is observed annually on 21 June following a United Nations resolution adopted in 2015. It promotes the physical and mental health benefits of yoga through events held across countries worldwide.
What did Gujarat BJP chief Jagdish Vishwakarma say on Yoga Day 2025?
Vishwakarma credited PM Narendra Modi with expanding global awareness of yoga, stating that Modi's sustained efforts transformed it into an internationally recognised movement. He also called on citizens, especially youth, to make yoga a daily practice.
Where was the International Yoga Day event held in Ahmedabad?
The event was held at the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad, organised by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation. Participants gathered early in the morning for yoga postures and breathing exercises under instructor guidance.
Who attended the Sabarmati Riverfront yoga event?
State Minister Darshana Vaghela, MP Dinesh Makwana, legislators, party leaders, local dignitaries, and a large number of Ahmedabad residents attended the programme alongside BJP President Jagdish Vishwakarma.
How did India's role lead to the creation of International Yoga Day?
India, under PM Narendra Modi, championed the proposal at the United Nations, which adopted a resolution in 2015 declaring 21 June as International Yoga Day. The day has since grown into a global observance with events in dozens of countries.
