Kolkata, June 21 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who led the 12th International Yoga Day event in Kolkata on Sunday, appreciated the participation of people from “all walks of life” while also emphasising the theme ‘Yoga For Healthy Ageing’.

In a post on X, PM Modi said: “An exceptional Yoga Day programme was held at Kolkata’s Red Road this morning, in which people from all walks of life participated, giving an important message on the vitality of Yoga in everyone’s lives.”

“This time, the theme was ‘Yoga For Healthy Ageing’ which emphasised the importance of Yoga in all ages to remain fit and healthy,” he added.

While addressing the event earlier in the morning, PM Modi urged people across the country to adopt yoga as a part of their daily lives, stressing that it promotes healthy living, a healthy mind, and long-term well-being.

“I feel so happy that the people of Kolkata today have overwhelmingly participated in that global festival. Remember, Yoga ensures that ageing does not impact the working potential of human beings. So, if you adopt Yoga as part of your daily life and also a part of your family, at your fifties you will feel as if you are in your thirties and in your seventies you will feel that you are in your forties,” the Prime Minister said.

Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister also narrated the rich connection between Yoga and Bengal and, more specifically, how Swami Vivekananda took Yoga to the global platform.

“Swamiji, in 1893, said that Yoga is the only way to liberation. He said that Yoga is joy and love. Swamiji then spoke about the development of mind and body through Yoga. This Yoga is the old culture of West Bengal,” the Prime Minister said.

According to him, it would be wrong to think that one needs Yoga just for his or her own well-being. “Yoga also has a bigger role to play in building a beautiful future. So do not confine Yoga to a special day or a special occasion. Let it be a part of your daily life,” PM Modi said.

–IANS

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