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Today’s News Update, The morning International Yoga Day of June 21, 2025 dawned bright and hopeful across the world—especially in Visakhapatnam (Vizag), where a historic celebration was held. Celebrated globally for over a decade, the International Day of Yoga had a remarkable theme, “Yoga is the pause button the world needs.” The event brought together nearly 25,000 tribal students who performed 108 Surya Namaskars (Sun Salutations) in 108 minutes under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The main objective was to highlight the timeless power of yoga to act as a “restorative” for humanity when global stress, social tensions, and existential anxieties are at their peak.
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the Event on June 21, 2025
In hundreds of countries, celebrations were held simultaneously to mark International Yoga Day 2025. From grand gatherings in New York to ornate temples in Dhaka, people of all ages and backgrounds came together to greet the morning sun. But the main attraction was undoubtedly Vizag, a sea of tribals and other students standing in front of the Arabian Sea, silhouetted against the sunrise, ready to begin. From a UN-sanctioned initiative to a deeply emotional global celebration, International Yoga Day has evolved, and the 2025 edition has added a layer of urgent social relevance.
Theme and Significance of International Yoga Day 2025
“Yoga is the pause button the world needs” – this theme is more than poetic. It is a strategic reframing of yoga’s timeless philosophy for a fast-paced world. In these days of news flooding in about wars, pandemics, environmental disasters and economic fragility, “pause” takes on spiritual, emotional and even political meaning. Yoga gives us that pause: a moment to tune in to our breath, to reflect, to slow down our racing minds. Our Prime Minister Narendra Modi says “Yoga is the world’s much-needed pause button” PM Modi’s speech in Vizag cuts straight to the heart of why the message of yoga could not be more timely.
Why the World Needs a Pause Button Now
The digital age has given rise to social media, data fatigue and even “news shock”. Scientific studies have shown that levels of anxiety, depression, chronic stress have increased—especially among the younger generation. Meanwhile, border conflicts and ideological divisions are deepening, highlighting the profound disruption of global unity. Yoga offers a simple yet powerful remedy.
Modi’s Address at Vizag – Key Takeaways
Modi emphasised that global instability – whether armed conflict, climate extremism, or mental health crises – affects millions of people indirectly through media, economics, identity disruption, or climate concerns. Yoga is inherently inclusive. “Breathing Life Yoga teaches you to breathe from within.” “In this 108-minute sequence, every breath, every posture is a step towards global harmony.”
The Vizag Celebration – A Massive Collective Performance
Local tribal communities, schools, state officials, yoga practitioners, NGOs and volunteers collaborated months ago to train students, finalize supplies, coordinate with telecom carriers for streaming and even design eco-friendly mats and uniforms deeply rooted in traditional tribal colors and motifs.
For those tuning in live to the International Day of Yoga, here is a complete rundown, with timings and program outline across time zones. 05:30 IST The event begins with a sunrise recitation of tribal tunes and an invocation by the yoga guru. 05:45 IST Prime Minister Modi arrives and addresses the crowd. 06:00–07:48 IST 108 Surya Namaskars are broadcast live on Doordarshan, All India Radio, national news channels, YouTube and several international streams, synchronized across multiple display screens.
Why International Yoga Day Resonates Now
There is a strong case for the emphasis on “pause” in 2025. A growing body of peer-reviewed research points to rising stress levels in a global context of conflict, stress, and anxiety. Burnout, chronic anxiety, digital isolation, and climate depression are no longer the exception; rather, they are symptoms of struggling with the fractured realities and polarized perspectives of a post-pandemic world. Lowering levels of the stress hormone cortisol, improving vaginal tone, which is linked to emotional regulation and resilience, improved digestion, blood pressure management, and mental clarity have all contributed to yoga’s ability to combat PTSD.
UN Recognition Since 2014, UN-led observances have driven the presence of yoga in schools, corporations, and elderly care facilities around the world. In 2025, collaborative events spread to more than 200 countries, from Ukraine to Kenya – each celebrating the day with specialized sessions ranging from walking yoga tours to peace marches and online webinars.
“I felt every muscle and every breath awakening something inside me… I felt proud to stand with everyone.” “108 Surya Namaskars are not easy, but there is a meditative rhythm—every breath, every step was focused and together.” “Our children don’t usually get to organize such a huge event… It was a moment of joy and pride for all of us.”
How You Can Join the Celebration
Participate online Join live-streamed sessions on YouTube or the Ministry of AYUSH website. Use #YogaPauseButton to post pictures of your yoga break. Local events Search for programs at your community center or yoga studio—it’s amazing how many grassroots efforts are organized each year. Many expatriate organizations, corporate campuses, and universities often conduct free open classes. For daily practice
Set aside just 15 minutes a day for yoga or breathing.
Try guided apps like “Yoga with Adrienne” or “Down Dog”—they have quick routines and mindfulness modules.
Reset your posture and mental state by closing your eyes, taking five deep breaths, and pausing before responding.
THE END
The 2025 International Yoga Day in Vizag was not just a gathering – it was a statement: We live in fast-paced times and we need a pause that is communal, mindful and purposeful. The day reminded us all that we all deserve moments of stillness and that yoga provides our blueprint, with 25,000 tribal students participating, a movement led by the Prime Minister and a global digital chorus echoing “Yoga is the pause button”. For the 2025 International Yoga Day, there was a profound call to reset and remember that peace begins within.
