Sat Jun 21 12:00:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and news article based on the provided text:
**Summary:**
India and other countries around the world celebrated the 11th International Day of Yoga on Saturday, June 21, 2025. Mass yoga sessions were held in various locations in India, including parks, beaches, and even high-altitude glaciers and naval ships. Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in an event in Visakhapatnam, emphasizing yoga’s role in promoting global unity and well-being. Events also took place in Malaysia and Indonesia, highlighting yoga’s widespread appeal.
**News Article:**
**Yoga Day Celebrated Globally, Promoted as Tool for Unity and Well-being**
Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
**NEW DELHI (AP)** — Tens of thousands across India and around the world stretched and breathed together Saturday, June 21, 2025, to mark the 11th International Day of Yoga.
From public parks and beaches to the icy heights of the Himalayas and naval vessels in the Bay of Bengal, mass yoga sessions saw enthusiastic participation. In the southern city of Visakhapatnam, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined a large gathering, emphasizing yoga’s role in fostering global unity and well-being under this year’s theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health.” Modi urged the world to “Let this Yoga Day mark the beginning of yoga for humanity 2.0, where inner peace becomes global policy.”
Similar celebrations took place beyond India’s borders. In Malaysia, over a thousand people gathered at the Batu Caves near Kuala Lumpur, while in Bali, Indonesia, tourists and locals alike unrolled their mats near Nusa Dua Beach.
“Yoga brings amazing benefits, especially to restore balance and calm a busy mind,” said Ayu Sangjiwani, a participant in Bali.
Yoga, a cultural export championed by Prime Minister Modi, has become a significant tool for Indian diplomacy and soft power. The United Nations designated June 21st as International Day of Yoga in 2014 at Modi’s urging. Events in India were replicated in cities worldwide, showing its growing popularity.
“I feel that yoga keeps us spiritually fit, mentally fit and helps us manage stress,” said Rajiv Ranjan, a participant in New Delhi. “That’s why I feel that people should take out at least 30 minutes every day for yoga to keep themselves fit.”
Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
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