The 11th International Day of Yoga was celebrated with unprecedented enthusiasm across India and the world on June 21, 2025. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the national celebrations from Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, where he performed the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) with over 3 lakh participants. The event was part of the ‘Yoga Sangam’ initiative, which aimed to synchronize yoga sessions at over one lakh locations nationwide, uniting crores of people.
This year's theme, "Yoga for One Earth, One Health," underscored the profound connection between individual well-being and the health of the planet, resonating with the Indian ethos of “Sarve Santu Niramaya” (May all be free from disease).
Addressing the massive gathering in Visakhapatnam, PM Modi emphasized the importance of yoga in a world grappling with unrest. He described yoga as the "pause button" that humanity desperately needs to breathe and find inner peace. He highlighted India's role in empowering the science of yoga and promoting it globally, underscoring its potential to foster harmony and well-being.
The Visakhapatnam event aimed to set a Guinness World Record with its massive participation. The Andhra Pradesh government also coordinated the distribution of over 50 lakh yoga certificates, encouraging further engagement with the practice. Adding to the spectacle, 25,000 tribal children performed 108 Surya Namaskars in 108 minutes at Andhra University, showcasing the widespread adoption of yoga across diverse communities.
Across India, the International Day of Yoga was marked by a series of events. In Delhi, 109 venues hosted yoga celebrations, including a grand event at the Red Fort organized by Brahma Kumaris and supported by the Ministry of Ayush. The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) jawans performed yoga on the banks of Pangong Tso Lake in Ladakh, demonstrating the practice's adaptability to different environments. Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar participated in a yoga session with Swami Ramdev, further promoting yoga's benefits.
The Ministry of Ayush's ‘Yoga Sangam 2025’ initiative played a pivotal role in expanding the reach of yoga. The initiative involved active participation from Gram Panchayats, Anganwadis, and Community Health Centers, following a letter from PM Modi to all Gram Pradhans. This grassroots push ensured that yoga reached even the most remote corners of the country.
A recent survey commissioned by the Ministry of Ayush revealed that nearly one in four Indians have incorporated yoga into their lifestyle, including asana sequences, breath control exercises, and meditation. The survey indicated that 11% of respondents practice yoga daily, while 13% do it occasionally, highlighting the growing popularity of yoga as a means to enhance physical and mental well-being.
The International Day of Yoga 2025 served as a powerful reminder of yoga's universal appeal and its potential to promote individual and collective well-being. With its emphasis on "Yoga for One Earth, One Health," the event reinforced the interconnectedness of humanity and the planet, inspiring a global movement towards a healthier and more sustainable future.
