Yoga Day 2020: As PM Modi issues clarion call, here's how Indian leaders answered

While Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed nation on occasion of sixth International Yoga Day, several political leaders celebrated day in ir homes. Due to current COVID-19 pandemic situation, this year,  day has been celebrated at home or indoors. According to United Nations Organization, me for 2020 is ''Yoga for Health Yoga at Home''. 

international Yoga is celebrated every year on June 21 in order to spread awareness about significance and benefits of Yoga. It was first suggested by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his United National General Assembly (UNGA) speech in 2014. Followed by propositions, UNGA drafted a resolution that was titled 'International Yoga Day' on October 14, 2014.

Here's how leaders celebrated Yoga Day: 

President of India Ram Nath Kovind was seen performing Yoga postures and encouraging citizens to do Yoga for a healthier lifestyle especially in times of COVID-19. "Happy International Yoga Day to all! ancient science of Yoga is India's invaluable gift to humanity. I am happy that more and more people are adopting Yoga in life. Amidst struggle and tension, especially in this phase of Covid-19, practicing Yoga will be helpful in keeping body healthy and mind calm," read one of his tweets in Hindi. 

Read: International Yoga Day 2020: Vice-President wishes citizens; says 'Yoga is a way of life'

Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla shared his thoughts on benefits of Yoga on International Yoga Day and performed Yoga with his family in his house. Taking to Twitter, he wished good health to all, on auspicious occasion of International Yoga Day.

Read: International Yoga Day 2020: Yoga a path to improve oneself: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla

Union Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan performed Yoga on International Yoga Day. Taking to Twitter, he shared a quote by Swami Vivekanand-- "An ideal person is one who is active even in most uninhibited and experiences complete peace even in extreme mobility".

Read: Amit Shah credits PM Modi for world's acceptance of Yoga; extols virtues on Yoga Day 2020

PM Modi addresses Nation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed Nation on Sunday virtually, on occasion of sixth International Yoga Day. Extending his greetings during address, he said that it is a "day of solidarity and universal brorhood." According to him, "Yoga enhances our quest for a healthier planet." He also stressed on  benefits of Yoga as he elaborated on me 'Yoga at home, Yoga with family'. According to PM Modi, this year's Yoga Day me is to stay away from social garings owing to dangers of COVID pandemic and urged citizens to perform yoga from home with ir family.

Read | 'Yoga keeps body fit, mind serene': President Kovind extols Yoga benefits amid COVID-19