New Delhi: In his 120th Mann Ki Baat address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared this year’s theme for International Day of Yoga (IDY)—“Yoga for One Earth, One Health”, emphasizing a holistic approach to global well-being. The theme underlines yoga’s potential to promote physical, mental, and environmental wellness, resonating with India’s vision for a healthier and more unified world.
> “It is a matter of pride that curiosity about yoga and traditional medicine is rising globally. I urge everyone to include yoga in their daily routine.” — PM Narendra Modi
Countdown Begins: MDNIY to Lead Nationwide Celebrations
The Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY) has been entrusted with coordinating this year’s grand celebrations. The 100-day countdown to IDY2025 was launched during Yogamahotsav at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi on March 13, 2025.
The Prime Minister urged citizens to start practicing yoga now, calling it “India’s priceless gift to humanity.” With the first International Day of Yoga celebrated on June 21, 2015, the upcoming 11th edition marks a decade of yoga’s global journey.
10 Signature Events to Make IDY 2025 the Most Expansive Yet
To make IDY 2025 a truly inclusive celebration, the Ministry of Ayush has curated 10 unique signature events:
1. Yoga Sangama – Synchronized yoga at 1,00,000+ locations aiming for a world record.
2. Yoga Bandhan – International collaborations across 10 countries at iconic landmarks.
3. Yoga Parks – Creation of 1,000 parks to promote community-based wellness.
4. Yoga Samavesh – Special sessions for Divyangjan, senior citizens, children, and marginalized groups.
5. Yoga Prabhava – Impact assessment of Yoga’s role in public health over the last decade.
6. Yoga Connect – Virtual Global Yoga Summit with leading experts and practitioners.
7. Harit Yoga – Yoga integrated with environmental action like tree plantations and clean-up drives.
8. Yoga Unplugged – Engaging youth-focused events blending yoga with music, art, and tech.
9. Yoga Maha Kumbh – Week-long festival across 10 cities, culminating in a central event led by the Prime Minister.
10. Samyogam – A 100-day initiative integrating Yoga with modern medicine for holistic health.
Global Recognition: India’s Traditional Wisdom Gains Popularity
During the address, PM Modi also spoke about the growing global interest in Ayurveda and Yoga, citing Chile as a notable example. He praised the work of ‘Somos India’, a team promoting Indian wellness systems across South America, and highlighted their efforts to translate yoga and Ayurveda materials into Spanish.
IDY: A Decade of Wellness Milestones
India’s leadership in promoting yoga on the global stage has seen IDY become a unifying global movement:
2015 – New Delhi: First IDY with 35,985 participants at Rajpath, setting two world records.
2016 – Chandigarh: 30,000+ join, with Divyangjan participating in the Common Yoga Protocol.
2017 – Lucknow: 51,000 gather, Yoga hailed as “health insurance.”
2018 – Dehradun: 50,000+ at FRI; BHUVAN-YOGA and Yoga Locator apps launched.
2019 – Ranchi: “Yoga for Heart Care” theme and Khadi-based accessories.
2020 – Virtual: 12.06 crore people participate online during COVID-19.
2021 – Virtual: Global reach with 496.1 million people; celebrations at Eiffel Tower, Times Square.
2022 – Mysuru: Guardian Ring relay and VR exhibitions at Mysore Palace.
2023 – Jabalpur & UN HQ: Set Guinness Records, 23.44 crore participants.
2024 – Srinagar: Yoga in the rain at SKICC, 24.53 crore global participants.
Conclusion: India Inspires a Healthier, Harmonious World
As International Day of Yoga 2025 approaches, India’s leadership in yoga and wellness continues to inspire the globe. The theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health” reflects a shared vision of sustainable living, global unity, and collective healing. With unprecedented participation and expansive outreach, this year’s celebration aims to make yoga a lifestyle choice for every citizen of the world.
[Reported By Amit Deshmukh]
