A Global Celebration of Wellness and Harmony
“Yoga is not just about exercise; it is a way to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world, and nature.”
— Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India
The world came together once again on 21 June, 2025, to celebrate the 11th International Day of Yoga, with the theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”, emphasizing the deep connection between individual well-being and planetary harmony. Across continents, yoga practitioners of all ages gathered in massive numbers—from beaches to stadiums, schools to embassies—united by the ancient Indian discipline that promotes physical, mental, and spiritual health.
Origins and Global Significance
The idea of a global yoga day was first proposed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the United Nations General Assembly in 2014. His proposal received overwhelming support, with 177 countries co-sponsoring the resolution, and the UN officially declared 21 June —the summer solstice and the longest day of the year—as International Yoga Day. The day was first observed globally in 2015, with India setting Guinness World Records for the largest yoga class and participation from the most nationalities.
2025 Theme: “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”
This year’s theme draws inspiration from India’s civilizational ethos of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”—the idea that the entire world is one family. The focus is on fostering universal health, environmental consciousness, and a more sustainable future through the practice of yoga.
The Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, launched a nationwide initiative titled Yoga Sangam, where synchronized yoga sessions were conducted across 100,000+ locations, including schools, panchayats, police stations, corporate offices, and community centers.
International Participation: A Global Wave
The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) facilitated over 2,000 events in 191 countries, making Yoga Day 2025 one of the most widely celebrated international events this year. From the Sydney Opera House to Times Square in New York, yoga mats were rolled out in historic and iconic locations.
Uttarakhand’s Spiritual Touch
The State Yoga Policy 2025, recently launched by the Uttarakhand Government, was highlighted during the celebrations, aiming to integrate yoga in education and public health.
In a nutshell, what began as an ancient Indian tradition, has today become a global movement of peace, balance and collective well-being.
