Yoga Institutions partner with Ministries to Lead Global Wellness Movement

New Delhi: In the run-up to the grand celebration of the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY), an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) meeting was held Yesterday at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, to discuss and strategies preparations for IDY 2025. 

Reflecting the Government’s commitment to a Whole-of-Government Approach, the meeting brought together senior officials from key ministries, Ayush institutions, and stakeholder departments to ensure wide participation and impactful outreach for this global celebration of wellness.

Delivering the keynote address, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush and Minister of State, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, emphasized the importance of a Whole-of-the-Government approach in realizing the Prime Minister’s vision of taking yoga to every citizen. “The International Day of Yoga is not just a celebration—it is a movement that unites Ministries, institutions, and citizens in a shared commitment to holistic health,” he remarked.

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The Minister highlighted the momentum generated through over 250 events held across India and abroad and called for intensified efforts in the final phase of preparations. He shared that since March 13, a series of daily countdown events—76 so far—have been conducted, reflecting enthusiastic participation from various countries in the lead-up to IDY 2025. Referring to the recent Group of Ministers’ meeting chaired by the Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare, he noted the strategic guidance provided for the concluding stages of preparations. Shri Jadhav also expressed gratitude to Yoga Gurus for their pivotal role in formulating the Common Yoga Protocol and urged all departments to ensure widespread participation in Yoga Sangam.

In his welcome address, the Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, set the tone by underlining the significance of IDY 2025. He noted that IDY has become one of the largest global movements, with an estimated 24 crore individuals participating in IDY 2024 across India alone. He further announced that the Ministry is targeting an even larger engagement this year under the flagship event Yoga Sangam, wherein over 1 lakh yoga events will be held simultaneously on 21st June 2025, with the Prime Minister leading the national celebration from Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.

The Secretary also emphasised that IDY should not be viewed as a single-day observance but as an essential part of the global wellness movement. Highlighting the Prime Minister’s recent address at the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, he reiterated India’s call for global participation in IDY 2025. He also spoke about the 10 thoughtfully curated Signature Events representing key sectors, aligned with the IDY 2025 theme—"Yoga for One Earth, One Health"—which resonates with the WHO’s theme of “One World, One Health.” The Secretary called for collective action from Yoga Gurus, Ayush institutions, and government bodies to make IDY 2025 a truly transformative experience.

A comprehensive presentation by the OSD – IDY Coordination followed, detailing the preparations and support required from stakeholders. The OSD noted that IDY, which began in 2015 following a resolution at the UNGA initiated by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has evolved from a Whole-of-Government to a Whole-of-the-Nation movement. He informed that more than 250 events have already been conducted in the lead-up to IDY 2025, including online initiatives under the ‘Yoga Unplugged’ series on MyGov.

The OSD also shared that the national event in Visakhapatnam is expected to witness participation from over 5 lakh people, and that the Ministries of Tourism and Culture will host IDY events at 150 iconic tourist sites across the country.

Ms. Monalisa Dash, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, mentioned, "International Day of Yoga is not just an event—it is a celebration of India’s timeless gift to the world. As we mark the 11th edition this year, our focus is on deeper engagement, wider outreach, and lasting impact. Through the Whole-of-Government approach, we are working to make IDY 2025 truly inclusive and transformative.”

The meeting concluded with a call for collective action and shared responsibility to ensure that the 11th International Day of Yoga is celebrated at an unprecedented scale, reflecting India’s continued commitment to global health and wellness.

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