Bratislava

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday lauded Slovak schoolchildren for embracing yoga, describing it as encouraging to see young people across the world connect with the ancient Indian practice in the run-up to the International Day of Yoga.

During his visit to Slovakia, Modi, accompanied by Slovak President Peter Pellegrini, witnessed a special yoga presentation by local school students in Bratislava. The demonstration formed part of activities leading up to the International Day of Yoga, observed globally every year on June 21.

Sharing his thoughts on social media platform X, Modi said it was heartening to witness the growing appeal of yoga among younger generations.

Prezident Pellegrini a ja sme s potešením sledovali špeciálnu ukážku jogy v podaní slovenských školákov.

Keďže sa blíži Medzinárodný deň jogy, teší nás, že si mladá generácia osvojuje jogu a objavuje jej prínosy.

Rovnako nás teší, že joga naďalej spája ľudí v spoločnom úsilí o… pic.twitter.com/ZxJmGnEHIJ

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 16, 2026

"President Pellegrini and I were delighted to witness a special Yoga demonstration by schoolchildren from Slovakia. As the world counts down to International Yoga Day, it is delightful to see the youth embrace Yoga. Also happy to see Yoga continuing to bring people together in well-being," he wrote.

The International Day of Yoga was instituted by the United Nations in 2014 following a proposal by Prime Minister Modi. Since then, June 21 has been celebrated across the world to promote awareness about yoga's physical, mental and spiritual benefits.

Apart from the yoga event, Modi highlighted a unique cultural connection between India and Slovakia through an exhibition dedicated to Varanasi, one of India's oldest and most spiritually significant cities.

The exhibition, displayed at the Presidential Palace in Bratislava, featured artworks created by Slovak artists who had recently visited Varanasi. The prime minister said such initiatives underscored the power of cultural exchange.

"At the Presidential Palace in Bratislava yesterday, President Pellegrini and I viewed a fascinating exhibition centred on Varanasi, including works by Slovak artists who had recently visited the city. Art and culture truly have a unique ability," Modi said, complimenting all the artists whose works were showcased.

Modi also met noted Slovak literary scholar Dr Robert Gafrik, who led an ambitious project to translate the ten principal Upanishads from Sanskrit into Slovak. The work marks the first direct Slovak translation of these ancient Indian philosophical texts.

"In Bratislava yesterday evening, I met Dr Robert Gafrik, who has spearheaded the effort to translate the Upanishads into Slovak. His passion for Indian history, culture and spirituality is commendable," Modi posted.

The Upanishads, composed between the 7th and 5th centuries BCE, are among the foundational texts of Indian philosophy and spirituality. Published by VEDA, the Slovak Academy of Sciences' publishing house, the translated volume has been recognised as a significant contribution to cultural understanding between India and Slovakia.

The initiative had earlier received appreciation from Modi during his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat in 2024, where he described it as an inspiring effort to preserve and promote India's rich intellectual heritage.

READ MORE: Asra Anjum revived Dakni deserts to preserve culinary heritage

Modi is currently on a week-long visit to Europe aimed at strengthening India's ties with key partners across the continent through engagements spanning diplomacy, culture and people-to-people exchanges.