Union Minister for Communications and Information Technology Prasad kicked off the celebrations at the Sports Authority Of India (SAI) complex in Kolkata.
"Yoga is not a symbol of any particular faith, it is not a symbol of any particular path. It is a symbol of mankind, peace and brotherhood. It is a symbol of the culture, heritage of our country. Yoga is for moral values and for the well being of the mankind regardless of its community, faith or nationality," Prasad said while kicking off the celebrations in Kolkata at 6.30 in the morning.
Union Minister of state for Urban Development Babul Supriyo too is scheduled to participate in International Yoga Day celebrations at a Yoga Camp in Burnpur.
In the SAI complex, hundreds of people cutting across age groups took part in the Yoga session.
Prasad also took part in the exercises and pranayams.
"My real love with yoga started when I was a student and was in jail as I was detained under MISA for participating in JP movement way back in mid 70s," a relaxed looking Prasad told reporters later.