On 21st June 2025, India once again stood at the heart of a global celebration as the world marked the 11th International Day of Yoga. This year’s flagship event was hosted in the coastal city of Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, where leaders, citizens, and yoga enthusiasts came together in an awe-inspiring display of unity, wellness, and cultural pride.
A Grand Spectacle in Visakhapatnam
The event was graced by prominent dignitaries, including the Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Ministers, the Governor, Chief Minister, and Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. Their presence underscored the national significance of yoga, and their speeches collectively echoed a powerful message: yoga is not just an Indian heritage—it is humanity’s gift to itself.
Among the many highlights was a spectacular feat that entered the Guinness Book of World Records: 25,000 tribal students performing 12 rounds of Surya Namaskar in perfect synchrony. It was a moment that embodied the spirit of inclusivity, dedication, and reverence towards this ancient practice.
A Global Movement
From its inception at the United Nations to its adoption in over 180 countries, International Yoga Day has become a powerful global movement. The 2025 theme—“Yoga for One Earth, One Health”—beautifully captured the interconnectedness of personal wellbeing with planetary health. It reminded us that nurturing our bodies and minds goes hand-in-hand with caring for the environment.
Across continents, people of all backgrounds, religions, and ages gathered to honour the discipline of yoga. In India alone, more than 20 million participants engaged in yoga sessions, making this the largest celebration to date.
The Power of Policy and Leadership
At the heart of yoga’s global rise is Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision. His address once again reinforced the role of yoga as a holistic solution to modern challenges, ranging from stress and anxiety to lifestyle diseases and ecological imbalance. His call to reduce unhealthy oil consumption and adopt yoga as a daily practice pointed towards a larger health and sustainability agenda for the nation.
Wellness in Action: The Yoga Session
The event featured a comprehensive yoga session designed for all levels. Participants were guided through:
1. Warm-ups: Neck rolls, shoulder rotations, and dynamic spinal movements.
2. Asanas: Tadasana, Trikonasana, Bhujangasana, Shavasana and more.
3. Pranayama: Breathing techniques like Kapalbhati, Anulom Vilom, Sheetali, and Bhramari.
4. Meditation: Closing with silence and a peace mantra to invoke inner balance.
This structured practice illustrated the science and simplicity of yoga, making it accessible to everyone, from children to the elderly, from the urban elite to rural communities.
Introducing Ayurveda to the Mat
In a notable initiative, the Ministry of AYUSH launched Moringa-based health snacks, aligning diet with yoga practice. This integration reflects an evolving vision of wellness that includes nutrition, exercise, and mental health as part of one harmonious lifestyle.
Uniting Science and Tradition
With backing from research institutions like AIIMS and integration into healthcare frameworks, yoga in India is now grounded in both traditional wisdom and scientific validation. Digital platforms, certifications, and community outreach are helping democratise yoga, making it both credible and widely available.
A Tool for Peace and Resilience
Beyond health, yoga is increasingly being recognised as a force for social cohesion and global peace. In today’s fast-paced, conflict-ridden world, yoga offers a moment of pause, a space for reflection, and a method for cultivating inner calm and collective harmony.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 celebrations are a reminder that yoga is no longer just a physical activity. It is a cultural bridge, a scientific tool, and a philosophical compass. It unites individuals, families, communities, and nations under the common banner of health, harmony, and humanity.
As we reflect on this year’s success, one thing is clear: India has not only gifted the world yoga but continues to lead its evolution as a practice of global significance.
