21-06-2026:Address by the Hon’ble Governor of Uttarakhand on the Occasion of International Yoga Day

Jai Hind!

First of all, on this historic occasion, I extend my heartiest greetings and best wishes to all yoga practitioners present here, the esteemed citizens of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, and all those engaged in the practice of yoga across India and around the world on the occasion of the 12th International Yoga Day.

Today marks a grand celebration of the global rise of India’s Sanatan culture, the tradition of our sages, and our spiritual consciousness. It is a proud occasion when the entire world pays tribute to India’s invaluable heritage of knowledge, which has provided humanity with the timeless path of health, balance, peace, and self-realization.

Yoga is the soul of India, the essence of our culture, and the eternal consciousness of Sanatan civilization. It has guided individuals toward self-awareness, fostered harmony in society, and conveyed to the world the message of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”—the world is one family. Yoga serves as a bridge connecting the body, mind, intellect, soul, and the Divine. Therefore, yoga is not merely a practice but the eternal science of living a balanced, noble, and meaningful life.

This sacred land of the Himalayas has, since time immemorial, been a center of yoga, meditation, and spiritual discipline. It was through penance and contemplation here that wisdom emerged, and that wisdom, in the form of yoga, has shown humanity the path to self-improvement and a blissful life. The Ganga, the Himalayas, and our sacred pilgrimage sites continue to symbolize this divine tradition of self-discipline, self-development, and universal welfare.

Our sages envisioned yoga not merely as a means of personal well-being but as an instrument for the welfare of society. The immortal message of the Bhagavad Gita—“Yogah Karmasu Kaushalam” (Yoga is excellence in action)—teaches us that true yoga lies in performing our duties with excellence, dedication, and balance.

Yoga is not limited to postures or physical exercise. It is a holistic Indian way of life that promotes balance, discipline, and awareness. It inspires us to maintain patience, self-confidence, and mental equilibrium even in adverse circumstances. Yoga teaches us that before conquering the external world, we must first achieve victory over ourselves.

The great sage Patanjali described yoga as the path to the cessation of mental fluctuations. The eight limbs of Ashtanga Yoga are not merely stages of practice but the foundation of a disciplined, ethical, and responsible life. When harmony is established between thought, speech, and action, yoga manifests in its true form and transforms an individual into a responsible citizen and a better human being.

Today, as the world grapples with stress, mental unrest, depression, and lifestyle-related diseases, yoga has become not only India’s ancient heritage but a necessity for all humanity. Modern science also acknowledges that yoga is an effective means of maintaining physical health, mental balance, and a peaceful, positive, and energetic life.

Yoga teaches us to conquer the unrest within before attempting to conquer the world outside. One who has mastered oneself finds no goal beyond reach.

Thanks to the visionary initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, yoga has become a global people’s movement. The recognition of International Yoga Day by the United Nations stands as a historic acknowledgment of India’s cultural strength and spiritual heritage. Today, millions of people are embracing healthier and more balanced lives through yoga. It is one of India’s most powerful forms of soft power, touching hearts across the globe without any display of force.

My Young Friends,

A developed India cannot be built solely on economic prosperity. It requires healthy bodies, strong minds, disciplined character, and a deep sense of national commitment. Yoga forms the foundation of self-confidence, concentration, leadership, and self-restraint. In an age marked by substance abuse, stress, and digital addiction, yoga provides the right direction to the youth. Therefore, make yoga not merely a practice but a permanent value in your life.

To Our Mothers and Women,

Women are the foremost custodians of Indian culture and values. If every family embraces yoga, meditation, and pranayama as part of its daily life, future generations will grow up healthy, disciplined, cultured, and committed to the nation. Healthy families form the foundation of a strong society, and a strong society is the strongest pillar of a developed nation.

Yoga teaches us harmony and coexistence with nature. Our culture reveres rivers as mothers, mountains as divine, and trees as life-givers. In today’s era of environmental challenges, yoga inspires a disciplined lifestyle and balanced consumption. It teaches us the values of responsible use rather than excessive consumption, and conservation rather than exploitation. This is our true spiritual duty toward nature and humanity.

Our Sanatan philosophy has always proclaimed:

“Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, Sarve Santu Niramayah”
(May all be happy; may all be free from illness.)

Yoga is the practical embodiment of this universal ideal. It is not confined by caste, language, faith, or national boundaries. It is a pathway to health, harmony, and peace for all humanity.

Friends,

A healthy individual is the foundation of a strong society and a developed nation. Let us build an India where yoga is not merely an exercise but a way of life; where health is not just a personal goal but a source of national strength; and where spiritual consciousness becomes a pathway to the welfare of humanity.

Transforming yoga into a means of progress—from the individual to the family, from the family to society, from society to the nation, and from the nation to global welfare—is the message of our Sanatan culture and our collective commitment toward a developed India.

I pray to the Almighty that the divine light of yoga fills every life with health, peace, balance, and inner joy, and that India continues to guide the world through the light of knowledge, spirituality, and human values.

Let us all embrace yoga as a lifelong value, a family tradition, and a foundation for nation-building, thereby giving new energy to our resolve for a developed India.

With this faith, this commitment, and these good wishes, I once again extend my heartfelt greetings on International Yoga Day and conclude my address.

Vande Mataram!
Victory to Mother Bharati!
Jai Hind!

(Date: June 21, 2026)

Jai Hind!

First of all, on this historic occasion, I extend my heartiest greetings and best wishes to all yoga practitioners present here, the esteemed citizens of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, and all those engaged in the practice of yoga across India and around the world on the occasion of the 12th International Yoga Day.

Today marks a grand celebration of the global rise of India’s Sanatan culture, the tradition of our sages, and our spiritual consciousness. It is a proud occasion when the entire world pays tribute to India’s invaluable heritage of knowledge, which has provided humanity with the timeless path of health, balance, peace, and self-realization.

Yoga is the soul of India, the essence of our culture, and the eternal consciousness of Sanatan civilization. It has guided individuals toward self-awareness, fostered harmony in society, and conveyed to the world the message of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”—the world is one family. Yoga serves as a bridge connecting the body, mind, intellect, soul, and the Divine. Therefore, yoga is not merely a practice but the eternal science of living a balanced, noble, and meaningful life.

This sacred land of the Himalayas has, since time immemorial, been a center of yoga, meditation, and spiritual discipline. It was through penance and contemplation here that wisdom emerged, and that wisdom, in the form of yoga, has shown humanity the path to self-improvement and a blissful life. The Ganga, the Himalayas, and our sacred pilgrimage sites continue to symbolize this divine tradition of self-discipline, self-development, and universal welfare.

Our sages envisioned yoga not merely as a means of personal well-being but as an instrument for the welfare of society. The immortal message of the Bhagavad Gita—“Yogah Karmasu Kaushalam” (Yoga is excellence in action)—teaches us that true yoga lies in performing our duties with excellence, dedication, and balance.

Yoga is not limited to postures or physical exercise. It is a holistic Indian way of life that promotes balance, discipline, and awareness. It inspires us to maintain patience, self-confidence, and mental equilibrium even in adverse circumstances. Yoga teaches us that before conquering the external world, we must first achieve victory over ourselves.

The great sage Patanjali described yoga as the path to the cessation of mental fluctuations. The eight limbs of Ashtanga Yoga are not merely stages of practice but the foundation of a disciplined, ethical, and responsible life. When harmony is established between thought, speech, and action, yoga manifests in its true form and transforms an individual into a responsible citizen and a better human being.

Today, as the world grapples with stress, mental unrest, depression, and lifestyle-related diseases, yoga has become not only India’s ancient heritage but a necessity for all humanity. Modern science also acknowledges that yoga is an effective means of maintaining physical health, mental balance, and a peaceful, positive, and energetic life.

Yoga teaches us to conquer the unrest within before attempting to conquer the world outside. One who has mastered oneself finds no goal beyond reach.

Thanks to the visionary initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, yoga has become a global people’s movement. The recognition of International Yoga Day by the United Nations stands as a historic acknowledgment of India’s cultural strength and spiritual heritage. Today, millions of people are embracing healthier and more balanced lives through yoga. It is one of India’s most powerful forms of soft power, touching hearts across the globe without any display of force.

My Young Friends,

A developed India cannot be built solely on economic prosperity. It requires healthy bodies, strong minds, disciplined character, and a deep sense of national commitment. Yoga forms the foundation of self-confidence, concentration, leadership, and self-restraint. In an age marked by substance abuse, stress, and digital addiction, yoga provides the right direction to the youth. Therefore, make yoga not merely a practice but a permanent value in your life.

To Our Mothers and Women,

Women are the foremost custodians of Indian culture and values. If every family embraces yoga, meditation, and pranayama as part of its daily life, future generations will grow up healthy, disciplined, cultured, and committed to the nation. Healthy families form the foundation of a strong society, and a strong society is the strongest pillar of a developed nation.

Yoga teaches us harmony and coexistence with nature. Our culture reveres rivers as mothers, mountains as divine, and trees as life-givers. In today’s era of environmental challenges, yoga inspires a disciplined lifestyle and balanced consumption. It teaches us the values of responsible use rather than excessive consumption, and conservation rather than exploitation. This is our true spiritual duty toward nature and humanity.

Our Sanatan philosophy has always proclaimed:

“Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, Sarve Santu Niramayah”
(May all be happy; may all be free from illness.)

Yoga is the practical embodiment of this universal ideal. It is not confined by caste, language, faith, or national boundaries. It is a pathway to health, harmony, and peace for all humanity.

Friends,

A healthy individual is the foundation of a strong society and a developed nation. Let us build an India where yoga is not merely an exercise but a way of life; where health is not just a personal goal but a source of national strength; and where spiritual consciousness becomes a pathway to the welfare of humanity.

Transforming yoga into a means of progress—from the individual to the family, from the family to society, from society to the nation, and from the nation to global welfare—is the message of our Sanatan culture and our collective commitment toward a developed India.

I pray to the Almighty that the divine light of yoga fills every life with health, peace, balance, and inner joy, and that India continues to guide the world through the light of knowledge, spirituality, and human values.

Let us all embrace yoga as a lifelong value, a family tradition, and a foundation for nation-building, thereby giving new energy to our resolve for a developed India.

With this faith, this commitment, and these good wishes, I once again extend my heartfelt greetings on International Yoga Day and conclude my address.

Vande Mataram!
Victory to Mother Bharati!
Jai Hind!