PM Modi and Slovakia's President Pellegrini watch special session of Yoga
Bratislava, June 15
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Slovakia's President Peter Pellegrini on Monday watched a special session of Yoga at the Presidential Palace in Bratislava. This comes amidst the backdrop of the upcoming International Day of Yoga on June 21.
The United Nations proclaimed June 21 as the International Day of Yoga on December 11, 2014, following the proposal by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his address at the opening of the 69th session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 27, 2014.
This ushered in an era of holistic health revolution, in which attention was given to prevention rather than cure. Since its first edition in 2015, India has led the celebration globally under the aegis of the Ministry of AYUSH, with active support from state governments, Indian missions abroad and UN agencies.
As the world gears up for the celebration of International Yoga Day, Indian missions connected people deeply to the practice of Yoga and its benefits through various diaspora and local community programs.
The Embassy of India in Switzerland said in a post on X that, along with the AYUSH Ministry, a new Guinness World Record was set as people celebrate the timeless gift of Yoga.
"The @IndiainSwiss Yoga journey across Switzerland reached the vibrant city of Basel as part of the 12th International Day of Yoga 2026 celebrations. With @moayush setting a new Guinness World Record for the Most Viewers for a YouTube Live Yoga Stream, the celebrations reflected the growing global embrace of India's timeless gift of Yoga as a way of life."
The Embassy said that the event brought together members of the Indian diaspora and local community in a shared experience of wellbeing and mindfulness.
Meanwhile, the Consulate General of India, Houston, in collaboration with the Indian Doctors Association of Houston, successfully hosted an insightful discussion on "Yoga for Healthy Ageing" in celebration of the International Day of Yoga 2026.
The High Commission of India in Seychelles shared that it partnered with the Office of the First Lady for an all-women yoga session ahead of the International Yoga Day.
The Embassy of India in Syria highlighted how over 200 enthusiastic participants of all ages joined the Yoga event in Latakia.
— ANI
Reader Comments
While I appreciate the global recognition of yoga, I hope we focus more on the substance rather than just the spectacle. The real benefit of yoga is in daily practice, not just in record-breaking events or photo ops. Still, it's nice to see our culture appreciated worldwide.
Imagine, from the UN General Assembly proposal in 2014 to a Guinness World Record for a YouTube Live Yoga Stream in Switzerland in 2026! The journey has been incredible. Our missions abroad are doing great work connecting diaspora communities through yoga 🌟
It's fascinating to see an Indian Prime Minister engaging with a European President over yoga. This cross-cultural exchange is exactly what we need more of in today's polarized world. Kudos to both leaders for showing that wellness can bridge any divide.
Lovely to see the High Commission in Seychelles partnering with the Office of the First Lady for an all-women yoga session! Women empowerment through yoga – that's the way forward. Hope more such inclusive initiatives happen across the globe 🧘♀️💪
Over 200 participants in Syria, discussions in Houston, all-women sessions in Seychelles – this is the soft power that actually matters. Yoga is not just exercise; it's a philosophy of harmony. Happy to see India leading this revolution from the front.
J We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.