Yoga Institutions Join Hands with Ministries to Advance the Global Welfare Movement
New Delhi: A meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) was held yesterday at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, to discuss preparations and formulate strategies for the grand celebration of the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025. Reflecting the government’s commitment to a holistic approach, senior officials from key ministries, AYUSH institutions, and stakeholder departments participated to ensure widespread participation and impactful outreach for this global public welfare event.
Union Minister of State for AYUSH (Independent Charge) and Health and Family Welfare Minister of State, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, delivered the keynote address emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive government approach to realize the Prime Minister’s vision of taking yoga to every citizen. He said, “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.” Shri Jadhav highlighted the momentum generated through over 250 events held in India and abroad, urging intensified efforts in the final phase of preparations. He shared that since March 13, 76 programs have been conducted as part of a daily countdown series, demonstrating enthusiastic participation from various countries leading up to IDY 2025. Referring to a recent ministers’ meeting chaired by the Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, he underscored key guidance provided for the final phase of preparations. Shri Jadhav expressed gratitude to yoga gurus for their crucial role in developing uniform yoga protocols and urged all departments to ensure broad participation in the Yoga Sangam.
In his welcome address, the Secretary of the Ministry of AYUSH highlighted the significance of International Day of Yoga 2025. He stated that IDY has become one of the largest global movements, with approximately 240 million people expected to participate across the country alone. He further announced that the ministry has set an even higher target for participation under the flagship event Yoga Sangam this year. On June 21, 2025, over 100,000 yoga programs will be held simultaneously, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the national event from Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
The AYUSH Secretary emphasized that International Day of Yoga should be seen not merely as a one-day event but as an integral part of a global health movement. Highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’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 theme for IDY 2025 — “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” which aligns with the World Health Organization’s theme “One World, One Health.” Following discussions representing key areas related to the theme, the Secretary talked about major programs planned and appealed for collective action from yoga gurus, AYUSH institutions, and government bodies to make IDY 2025 a transformative experience.
Subsequently, the OSD for IDY coordination gave a comprehensive presentation detailing required preparations and collaboration among stakeholders. The OSD noted that IDY, which began in 2015 following a UN General Assembly resolution championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has transformed into a nationwide movement. He mentioned that over 250 programs have already been conducted under IDY 2025 leadership, including online initiatives such as the ‘Yoga Unplugged’ series on MyGov. The national event in Visakhapatnam is expected to witness participation from over half a million people, while the Ministry of Tourism and Culture will host IDY programs at 150 prestigious tourist destinations across the country.
Joint Secretary of the Ministry of AYUSH, Ms. Monalisa Dash, said, “International Day of Yoga is not just an event but a celebration of India’s timeless gift to the world. This year marks its 11th edition, with a focus on deep engagement, extensive outreach, and lasting impact. Through a holistic 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 the 11th International Day of Yoga is celebrated on an unprecedented scale, reflecting India’s ongoing commitment to global health and wellness.