“Dhairyam Yasya Pita, Kshama Cha Janani, Shanti Shchiram Gehinī, Satyam Sūnurayam, Dayā Cha Bhagini, Sneho Bhrātā, Shayyā Bhūmitalam Dishashcha Vasanam, Jñānāmṛtam Bhojanam, Ete Yasya Kuṭumbino, Sa Yogī Sa Mahātmanā.
This ancient Sanskrit verse beautifully encapsulates the true essence of a Yogi and the attributes of a Mahatma. One for whom courage is the father, forgiveness the mother, peace the eternal wife, truth the son, kindness the sister, affection the brother, the earth their bed, the directions their attire, and the nectar of knowledge their sustenance – such a one is a true Yogi, a great soul.
This profound definition underscores that Yoga is far more than a mere physical exercise; it’s a holistic philosophy, a way of life that seeks to unite the mind, body, and spirit with the cosmos itself. It reflects the sublime depth of Indian philosophical thought.
International Yoga Day- India’s Luminary on the World Stage:
June 21 is fast approaching, and the world is once again preparing to celebrate International Yoga Day. On this auspicious occasion, one cannot help but marvel at the profound wisdom of our Indian civilisation. Born millennia ago in our sacred land as a deep philosophical tradition and spiritual practice, Yoga has now spread across the globe, bestowing peace, strength, and well-being upon people from diverse cultures. This journey of Yoga, from the ancient banks of the Ganga to the bustling metropolises of the West, stands as a living testament to our timeless knowledge, dedicated efforts, and India’s unwavering commitment to sharing its invaluable heritage with humanity.
This year, the theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health” takes centre stage, inspiring a wide array of activities. The 2025 theme prominently highlights Yoga’s vital role in promoting physical, mental, and environmental well-being. It symbolises the achievements since June 21 was designated International Yoga Day. Significantly, the 2025 International Yoga Day theme was personally announced by our Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His vision, to transform the world into a healthier place through Yoga, is clearly articulated through this theme, which emphasises harmony between environmental consciousness and human health.
Unravelling Yoga: A Tapestry of Indian Wisdom
Is Yoga merely about performing various postures? Far from it! It is a complete philosophy, a profound science, and, above all, an art of living. Yoga is an invaluable gift from the ancient Indian tradition. The word “Yoga” originates from the Sanskrit root “Yuj,” meaning to join, to unite, or to integrate. It signifies the union between mind and body, thought and action, restraint and fulfilment, and furthermore, a harmonious balance between humanity and nature – a comprehensive approach to health and well-being. Our ancients proclaimed Yoga as a powerful method for preventing diseases, achieving holistic health, and resolving lifestyle-related issues. Modern science, too, is increasingly validating this truth. Its ultimate aim is to harmoniously connect our inner consciousness with the universal consciousness, achieving perfect equilibrium among the body, mind, and soul.
This ancient discipline encompasses physical postures (asanas), breathing control techniques (pranayama), meditation (dhyana), and ethical principles (Yama and Niyama) – a philosophical thought process that fosters inner peace, self-realisation, and complete well-being. So deep are the roots of Yoga that its traces can be found in the Indus Valley Civilization, dating back over five millennia in India’s ancient history. Seals unearthed from that era, depicting figures in yogic postures, indicate Yoga’s widespread prevalence even then. The Rig Veda, one of the world’s oldest sacred texts, also contains early mentions of Yoga, describing disciplined living and meditative practices. Later, the Upanishads elaborated on the concepts of Brahman (the universal soul) and Atman (the individual soul), detailing how they could be unified through yogic practices.
However, it was around 400 CE that Maharishi Patanjali systematically codified the principles of Yoga in his seminal work, the Yoga Sutras. This foundational text outlines Ashtanga Yoga, or the “eight limbs of Yoga,” providing a clear path to spiritual enlightenment and self-knowledge. Indeed, these ancient sages and seers, through their profound spiritual insights and practices, nurtured and preserved this magnificent knowledge across generations, acting as its true custodians. International Yoga Day is celebrated globally through various Yoga and health-related activities. Over the years, it has evolved into a crucial public health movement, significantly raising awareness and importance of Yoga in India’s public health policies and discourse.
International Yoga Day: Prime Minister Modi’s Visionary Revolution!
The international recognition of such a profound practice as Yoga is a truly remarkable and historic event in recent times. There is no doubt that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership is primarily responsible for this monumental achievement. Immediately after assuming office in 2014, he unequivocally articulated his resolve to bring global recognition to Yoga. His maiden address at the United Nations General Assembly on September 27, 2014, stands as a historic milestone. In that address, he passionately stated: “Yoga is an invaluable gift from India’s ancient tradition. It embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfilment; harmony between man and nature; a holistic approach to health and well-being. It is not about exercise but to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and the nature. By changing our lifestyle and creating consciousness, it can help us deal with climate change. Let us work towards adopting an International Yoga Day.”
This powerful and universal message resonated deeply with nations worldwide, taking root in their consciousness. The response that followed was truly astonishing and swift. Within a mere two and a half months, on December 11, 2014, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring June 21 as International Yoga Day. A record 177 member states co-sponsored this resolution – such a high number of co-sponsors is a rare and remarkable occurrence in the history of the United Nations. This extraordinary consensus underscored the universal acceptance and recognition of Yoga’s potential to foster peace, health, and well-being globally. It was a significant diplomatic triumph for India on the international stage.
Modi’s Universalisation Strategy: The Inspiration of Guinness Records!
Prime Minister Modi did not merely stop at the declaration of an International Day. He adopted a multifaceted and strategic approach, coupled with unparalleled effort, to universalise Yoga:
* Providing a Global Platform and Recognition: The declaration of International Yoga Day bestowed official and esteemed recognition upon Yoga at a global level. This prompted governments, organisations, educational institutions, and the general public worldwide to specifically acknowledge and widely promote Yoga every year.
* Integrating Yoga into Soft Power Diplomacy: PM Modi deeply understood that Yoga is an excellent soft power tool for India. His government extensively promoted Yoga as an integral part of India’s cultural heritage and a message of peace and well-being offered by India to the world. By frequently mentioning Yoga during his foreign tours and international conferences, Modi Ji transformed it into a strong bridge for enhancing friendly relations and fostering cultural exchange among nations.
* Personal Ambassadorship and Exemplary Leadership: Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself regularly practices Yoga. His public demonstrations of Yoga on various national and international platforms, coupled with his extensive advocacy of its health benefits, have made him an ideal role model for millions. Initiatives like “Yoga with Modi” and his personal presence have significantly boosted public interest and enthusiasm for Yoga.
* Establishment of AYUSH Ministry and Institutional Support: The Modi government specifically established the Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy) in 2014. This ministry has provided official support for the promotion, research, development, and standardisation of Yoga alongside other traditional Indian systems of medicine.
* World Records and Mass Participation: International Yoga Day celebrations are often organised on a grand scale with massive public participation. In 2015, Modi Ji led a Yoga session in New Delhi with over 39,000 participants, setting a Guinness World Record. This demonstrated Yoga’s unifying power to the world. Furthermore, in June 2023, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, a Yoga session led by PM Modi achieved another Guinness World Record for the most nationalities (over 135) participating in a single Yoga session. These records unequivocally demonstrated that Yoga is not limited to one country but possesses the incredible power to unite people worldwide.
* Call for Global Partnership: The remarkable international support garnered for Yoga Day successfully showcased Yoga’s ability to transcend borders, cultural, and political differences, uniting the world. He deeply emphasised that this is not merely India’s agenda but a universal plea for the well-being of humanity.
The Allure of Yoga’s Benefits: Why its Growing Popularity?
Yoga’s rapid surge in popularity in recent times is primarily attributable to its immense and ever-increasing benefits. Physically, consistent Yoga practice significantly enhances flexibility, strength, balance, and posture. It boosts heart health, strengthens the immune system, and remarkably aids in weight management. Many Yoga practitioners commendably report experiencing significant relief from chronic pain, respiratory issues, and digestive problems. Beyond physical advantages, Yoga’s profound impact on mental and emotional well-being is increasingly recognised by the scientific community. It acts as a powerful antidote to common modern lifestyle ailments such as stress, anxiety, and depression. Its emphasis on controlled breathing (pranayama) and deep meditation fosters greater mental clarity, emotional balance, and profound inner peace. In today’s fast-paced, stressful world, Yoga offers a much-needed tranquil sanctuary for introspection, self-care, and rejuvenation. It empowers individuals to face life’s challenges with greater stability and equanimity.
Several factors have contributed to Yoga’s recent popularity boom. A growing global awareness of mental health issues and the search for holistic solutions have prompted many to embrace Yoga. Increased accessibility through online platforms, mobile applications, and the proliferation of Yoga studios and certified instructors worldwide has made this practice more convenient than ever before. Furthermore, endorsements from celebrities, political figures, and health organisations have significantly boosted its mainstream appeal. Social media also plays a crucial role, with countless practitioners sharing their Yoga journeys and inspiring others to adopt this ancient art.
International Yoga Day 2025: A Symphony of Special Programmes!
Several special and large-scale programmes have already been announced in our country. Let’s take a closer look:
* “Yoga Sangam” Main Programme: This initiative aims to coordinate mass Yoga demonstrations at over one lakh locations across India. This programme will be conducted based on the “Common Yoga Protocol” on June 21, 2025, from 6:30 AM to 7:45 AM.
* Prime Minister’s Visit to Visakhapatnam: Visakhapatnam, in Andhra Pradesh, has been chosen as the primary venue for the 11th International Yoga Day celebrations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself will participate in the main event in Visakhapatnam on June 21. An estimated 2.5 lakh people are expected to attend.
* “Yogaandhra 2025” – Andhra Pradesh Government’s Special Programme: The Government of Andhra Pradesh is organising Yoga festivals and promotional activities across the state for a month, from May 21 to June 21, under the name “Yogaandhra 2025.” Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu announced that PM Modi would attend the main event in Visakhapatnam on June 21. Arrangements are being made for two crore people across the state to participate in the Yoga programme. It has also been decided to conduct Yoga courses for ten lakh people and present them with certificates.
* Announcement of PM Yoga Awards 2025: The “PM Yoga Awards 2025” will be announced on the occasion of the 11th International Yoga Day to recognise and honour individuals and organisations that have made outstanding contributions to the promotion and development of Yoga. Winners will receive a trophy, a certificate, and a cash prize of Rs. 25 lakh.
* Yoga Bandhan: A global partnership with 10 countries to organise Yoga gatherings in prominent and significant locations.
* Yoga Parks: Development of 1,000 Yoga Parks with a focus on long-term community benefits.
* Yoga Sammelanam (Conferences): Special Yoga programmes for persons with disabilities, the elderly, children, and underprivileged sections.
* Yoga Prabhava: A decade-long impact assessment on the role of Yoga in public health.
* Yoga Connect: A virtual Global Yoga Summit featuring renowned Yoga experts and healthcare professionals.
* Harit Yoga: A sustainability-oriented initiative connecting Yoga with tree plantation and cleanliness drives.
* Yoga Unplugged: A programme aimed at attracting youth towards Yoga.
* Yoga Maha Kumbh: A week-long festival across 10 locations, concluding with central government celebrations led by the Honourable Prime Minister.
* Samyogam: A 100-day programme integrating Yoga with modern healthcare for holistic well-being.
All these programmes are meticulously designed to further expand Yoga’s reach, enhance public awareness, and make its benefits accessible to all.
Modi’s Endeavour: An Everlasting Gift to Humanity!
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership, initiative, and tireless diplomatic efforts have played a pivotal role in bringing Yoga to the international stage. His persistent endeavour has not only secured global recognition for Yoga but has also firmly established its position as a worldwide movement for health, peace, and harmony. In the face of the world’s fast-paced, stressful lifestyles and increasing mental health challenges, interest in the tranquility, balance, and inner strength that Yoga offers has surged tremendously. Consequently, many nations are now eagerly coming forward to incorporate Yoga into their health programmes and educational systems.
The majority of countries worldwide have wholeheartedly agreed that Yoga’s benefits transcend its origins, promoting universal well-being. Yoga is now widely accepted as a universal practice that enhances individual and collective well-being, transcending all religious or ethnic boundaries. Yoga now stands as our beloved India’s proud heritage, an eternal gift to global humanity, and a divine symbol of unity and prosperity. Let us sincerely hope that in the future, India will continue to exert an even greater positive influence worldwide through Yoga. This is indeed a matter of immense pride for all of us.
