Yoga Institutions Unite with Ministries to Orchestrate Global Wellness Movement

New Delhi, 29 May 2025— As the countdown begins for the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY), an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) meeting was held yesterday at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi. The meeting brought together senior officials from key ministries, Ayush institutions, and stakeholder departments to strategize preparations and ensure wide participation in 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, stressed the importance of a Whole-of-Government approach in fulfilling the Prime Minister’s vision of promoting yoga among 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 said. Shri Jadhav highlighted the momentum generated by over 250 events held across India and abroad, urging intensified efforts in the final phase of preparations. He noted that since March 13, 76 daily countdown events have been organized globally, reflecting enthusiastic international participation ahead of IDY 2025. He also acknowledged the strategic guidance from the recent Group of Ministers’ meeting chaired by the Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare and thanked Yoga Gurus for their pivotal role in shaping the Common Yoga Protocol.

The Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, in his welcome address, underlined the growing significance of IDY. He noted that the event has become one of the largest global wellness movements, with an estimated 24 crore people participating across India during IDY 2024 alone. He announced ambitious targets for this year’s flagship event, Yoga Sangam, with plans to hold over 1 lakh yoga sessions simultaneously on 21 June 2025. The Prime Minister will lead the national celebrations from Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.

Emphasizing that IDY should be seen as an ongoing global wellness movement rather than a single-day observance, the Secretary referred to the Prime Minister’s recent address at the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, calling for global participation in IDY 2025. He also highlighted 10 Signature Events aligned with the theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” which resonates with the WHO’s “One World, One Health” initiative. The Secretary called upon Yoga Gurus, Ayush institutions, and government bodies to collaborate in making IDY 2025 a truly transformative experience.

A detailed presentation by the OSD – IDY Coordination outlined the preparation progress and stakeholder support required. He remarked that IDY, initiated by a UNGA resolution proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015, has evolved into a Whole-of-the-Nation movement. Over 250 events have already taken place as part of the lead-up to IDY 2025, including the online ‘Yoga Unplugged’ series on MyGov. The national event in Visakhapatnam is expected to draw over 5 lakh participants, while the Ministries of Tourism and Culture will organize yoga events at 150 iconic tourist sites nationwide.

Ms. Monalisa Dash, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, said, “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 among all stakeholders to ensure that the 11th International Day of Yoga is celebrated on an unprecedented scale, reaffirming India’s commitment to global health and wellness.