The Government of India has accelerated its preparations for International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025 by organising a major virtual workshop aimed at ensuring seamless coordination across ministries and agencies. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Ayush in partnership with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the event brought together over 400 senior officials from various government departments on Thursday.
With the global observance of International Yoga Day scheduled for June 21, the workshop served as a key platform to streamline efforts towards enhancing public outreach and reinforcing the central message of this year’s theme: “Yoga for One Earth, One Health.”
Commemorating a Decade of International Yoga Day
This year’s celebrations carry special significance as 2025 marks the 10th anniversary of yoga being officially recognised as an international practice by the United Nations. In December 2014, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution, supported unanimously by member states, proclaiming June 21 as International Day of Yoga. Since then, yoga enthusiasts worldwide have embraced the event as a symbol of wellness and harmony. The inaugural celebration took place in 2015 and has since evolved into a global event, with participation from millions across continents. As the milestone year approaches, the Indian government aims to highlight the enduring relevance of yoga in promoting physical, mental, and spiritual health.
The workshop was chaired by Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, who stressed that International Yoga Day has grown from a government initiative into a national movement. Addressing participants, he underscored the importance of adopting a whole-of-government approach to maximise participation across all sectors of society.
“Yoga has become a part of our collective national identity. The 10th edition of IDY is an opportunity to further cement its role in global wellness and sustainable living,” said Kotecha. He urged ministries to ensure a broad-based engagement, encompassing both urban and rural populations.
High-ranking officials including C. Senthil Rajan, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and Monalisa Dash, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, provided strategic inputs during the session. Discussions revolved around enhancing media integration and optimising inter-ministerial coordination for effective outreach.
Broadening Outreach Beyond Urban Centres
The workshop reviewed progress made so far in various inter-ministerial initiatives and explored ways to extend outreach beyond traditional urban audiences. Officials deliberated on deploying a multi-channel strategy, combining digital campaigns with grassroots-level initiatives. A special emphasis was placed on reaching out to rural and tribal communities where access to yoga education and resources remains limited. Efforts are underway to collaborate with local self-governments, non-governmental organisations, and community health workers to ensure that the benefits of yoga permeate every corner of the country. Additionally, strategies for engaging educational institutions, workplaces, and public spaces were discussed to foster a culture of regular yoga practice across all demographics.
Media plays a pivotal role in shaping public perception and participation in IDY. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has devised a comprehensive plan to harness the potential of television, radio, print media, and digital platforms to promote the event. As part of this effort, national broadcasters such as Doordarshan and All India Radio are expected to air special programming in the lead-up to June 21. Simultaneously, social media platforms will be leveraged to engage the youth and create viral campaigns that highlight the importance of yoga for personal and planetary health.
Yoga’s Role in Global Public Health
In recent years, yoga has been increasingly recognised as a valuable component of preventive healthcare and mental well-being. The ongoing emphasis on the holistic benefits of yoga aligns with global efforts to address the rising burden of non-communicable diseases and mental health challenges. India, through International Yoga Day, continues to champion the role of yoga in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to health, well-being, and sustainable living.
The theme for 2025, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” reflects this vision by drawing attention to the interconnectedness of human and planetary health. The theme resonates with India’s ancient philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — the world is one family — and encourages adopting yoga as a practice that benefits not only individuals but also society at large.
With less than two weeks remaining, the government is intensifying preparations to ensure that the 10th International Yoga Day is the largest and most inclusive celebration to date. Thousands of mass yoga sessions are planned across public parks, stadiums, community centres, and historical landmarks. Government ministries, educational institutions, corporate organisations, and civil society groups are mobilising volunteers and participants to create a truly nationwide movement. Additionally, the Ministry of Ayush is coordinating with Indian missions abroad to facilitate celebrations in hundreds of cities around the world. This year’s milestone edition aims to showcase India’s leadership in promoting global public health and fostering cross-cultural understanding through the universal language of yoga.
As India approaches the 10-year milestone of International Yoga Day, there is a growing recognition that the movement must continue evolving to remain relevant. The government is therefore exploring long-term strategies to integrate yoga into public health policies and educational curricula. Efforts are being made to train more qualified yoga instructors, establish yoga wellness centres, and promote evidence-based research on the therapeutic benefits of yoga. The overarching goal is to embed yoga as an integral component of daily life for people of all ages and backgrounds.
India’s preparations for International Yoga Day 2025 underscore the country’s commitment to promoting holistic well-being on a global scale. Through coordinated government action, media outreach, and community engagement, the 10th edition of IDY is poised to reaffirm yoga’s enduring relevance in addressing contemporary health and environmental challenges. As millions around the world prepare to roll out their yoga mats on June 21, India stands ready to lead the global celebration of a practice that has transcended cultural boundaries to become a powerful tool for personal and planetary harmony.
