As Yoga Day Turns 5, a Look Back at PM Modi’s Squats and Stretches

In four years, we’ve seen PM Modi in numerous yogic avatars.

This Yoga Day, let’s look back at the last four years of prime ministerial flexibility.

(Photo: PTI)

It’s that time of year again, where we get to see the Prime Minister bend over backwards (and forwards) – quite literally. There’s officially an International Day of Yoga after the PM successfully petitioned for one at the UNGA back in 2014. And over the years, Modi has not disappointed... we’ve witnessed contortions and twists galore!

So this Yoga Day, let’s look back at the last four years of prime ministerial flexibility.

2015: 35 Minutes of Fun at Rajpath

Here we see the PM in his natural habitat, Rajpath, leading a flock of thousands of intense yoga-lovers at the break of dawn.

Tiranga appears!(Photo: PTI)

This thousands-strong demonstration cost a whopping Rs 7.59 crore. (Photo: PIB)

Can you hold a squat like this? (Photo: PIB)

The session was full of all kinds of asanas.(Photo: PIB)

2016: Poise & Grace

In 2016, it was Chandigarh’s Capitol complex that was the site of PM Modi’s 30,000-strong yoga bonanza.

Modi chose to dress in white shirt and trousers with a scarf around his neck!(Photo: AP)

PM Modi leads from the front!(Photo: PIB)

That’s how you do it.(Photo: PIB)

“With zero budget, yoga provides health insurance. Yoga does not discriminate between rich and poor” – thus spake yoga connoisseur PM Modi.(Photo: PIB)

2017: Come Rain or Shine!

The turnout in 2017 was 55,000 in Lucknow, and included, but of course, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

In white, again! (Photo Courtesy: Twitter/@PIB_India)

Scarf? Yes, please.(Photo: PTI)

2018: A Challenger Appears

In the run up to the fourth Yoga Day, social media was abuzz with the #FitnessChallenge after Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Rathore launched the #HumFitTohIndiaFit campaign. How could the prime minister be left behind?

In 2018, PM Modi tweeted himself doing... garden yoga!

And then, it was time to NOT break the past practice.

Yoga enthusiasts, assemble! (Photo: PTI)

This time, in Dehradun.(Photo: PTI)

Thousands join in!(Photo: PTI)

This year, the Yoga Day fun with PM Modi moves to Ranchi. Watch this space for all the live updates.