PM's Kolkata Yoga Event Venue Was Once Used As Airstrip During World War 2

Key Points:

• On June 21, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the 12th International Day of Yoga celebrations at Kolkata's historic Red Road, officially known as Indira Gandhi Sarani, with thousands participating in the event.
• Red Road, built around 1820 as the "Secretary's Walk," originally connected the Governor General's residence to southern Kolkata and was named for its red brick chip surface.
• During World War II, Red Road was converted into an emergency airstrip for Allied fighter aircraft to defend against Japanese air attacks, despite operational challenges due to its narrow width and infrastructure.
• Historically, Red Road has been a prominent ceremonial venue, hosting grand parades including the 1911 royal visit of King George V and Queen Mary, and continues to hold Republic Day parades annually.
• The 2026 Yoga Day theme, "Yoga for Healthy Ageing," emphasized lifelong yoga practice for healthy and active ageing, with millions participating both in-person and virtually across India and globally.