On International Yoga Day 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the global celebrations from Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, where he highlighted Yoga as a guiding force for peace amid global tension, unrest, and instability. Addressing thousands of participants, Modi described Yoga as the "pause button" humanity needs to find balance, breathe, and reconnect with itself in an increasingly unstable world.

Modi remarked that Yoga provides a path toward inner harmony and global unity, transcending boundaries of nationality, ability, and background. He cited inspiring examples such as visually impaired persons reading Yoga Shastras in Braille, scientists practicing Yoga in space, and rural youth taking part in Yoga Olympiads. He emphasized the global spread and acceptance of Yoga, with performances taking place even on Navy ships, the steps of the Opera House, Mount Everest, and vast oceanfronts — all echoing a singular message: Yoga is universal.

Reflecting on India’s efforts to globalize Yoga, the Prime Minister recalled how, in 2014, India proposed recognizing June 21 as International Yoga Day at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Within a short span, 175 countries co-sponsored the proposal, demonstrating a rare global consensus. Modi emphasized that such unity and support in today’s fractured world is significant and symbolically powerful. He urged the international community to let this Yoga Day signify the beginning of "Yoga for Humanity 2.0," where inner peace becomes a cornerstone of global policy.

The celebration in Visakhapatnam was unprecedented in scale. Held along a 26-kilometer-long corridor, it allowed more than 3 lakh people to perform yoga simultaneously, making it one of the largest public Yoga events. The theme for this year’s International Yoga Day was "Yoga for One Earth, One Health," aligning with the idea of holistic well-being — not just for individuals, but for communities and the planet.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu also addressed the gathering, commending Prime Minister Modi for transforming Yoga into a global wellness movement. Naidu underlined that Yoga Day is now observed in over 175 countries, across 12 lakh locations, with the participation of more than 10 crore people worldwide — a testament to Yoga's growing appeal and relevance.

Naidu also praised the infrastructural and logistical efforts behind organizing such a large-scale event in Visakhapatnam. He highlighted the cultural and health significance of Yoga, positioning it as a unifying force in an increasingly divided world. The chief minister further emphasized that Yoga not only strengthens individual bodies and minds but also serves as a diplomatic and spiritual bridge connecting people worldwide.

In essence, the International Yoga Day celebrations in Visakhapatnam were not just a showcase of India's soft power but a call to collective introspection and unity. With participation from millions globally and strong political endorsements, the event underscored Yoga’s growing significance as a tool for peace, health, and international solidarity. The day also reinforced India’s commitment to promoting ancient traditions in modern contexts for global benefit.