Press Information Bureau

Central Council for Research in Yoga & Naturopathy (CCRYN), Ministry of Ayush, Government of India organised “Yoga Connect”— an event of global importance at Vigyan Bhawan, marking a major milestone in the countdown to the 11^th International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025. Focused on the theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” the event brought together policymakers, Yoga masters, scientists, and wellness thought leaders to strengthen yoga’s transformative power in individual and global well-being. A survey report was also released in the event, highlighting the assessment of the impact of a decade of IDY.

The event commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by the Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Ministry of Ayush and Union Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav. They were joined by several eminent dignitaries including Swami Ramdev, Founder-President, Patanjali Yogpeeth, Haridwar, Shri Subodh Tiwari, CEO, Kaivalyadhama, Lonavla & Secretary General, Indian Yoga Association, Dr. Hansaji Yogendra, Director, The Yoga Institute, Swami ​Chidanand Saraswati, Spiritual Head, Parmarth Niketan, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush.

Addressing the gathering the Union Minister of State (I/C) for Ayush Shri Prataprao Jadhav shared insights into the Ministry’s efforts to mainstream Yoga in health and wellness systems. He said that the Ministry has undertaken a nationwide impact survey and stated that, “studies show that Yoga supports management of diabetes, heart health, cancer recovery, and elderly care.” He emphasized Yoga’s relevance in skill development and employment, calling it a “driving force behind the ‘Global Yoga Kranti’ and India’s leadership in the wellness sector”.

Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat praised the vision of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in elevating Yoga from “ Chiti (individual consciousness) to Rashtrachiti (national consciousness)”. He stated that “Yoga Connect is a call to embrace Yoga not as an activity, but as a lifestyle. On June 21, let us celebrate IDY 2025 as a true tribute to India's timeless wisdom.”

Speaking on the occasion, Swami Ramdev said that “Today, nearly 2 billion people across 200 countries are practicing Yoga. We are hopeful that in the next five years, this number will rise to 5 billion. This reflects not only the global acceptance of Yoga but also India’s growing cultural influence worldwide."

Swami Ramdev also reiterated the spiritual depth of Yoga, referencing Indian scriptures he added that, “Each chapter of the Bhagavad Gita is Yoga in itself. Let us ensure Yoga reaches every village and is practised not just on June 21st, but every day.” He added, “Yoga Anushasan, the discipline of body and mind, is vital for national development and individual growth.”

Dr. Hansaji Yogendra emphasized that Yoga is not just about doing, it is about being. He said that “True Yoga must be integrated into daily life, practiced with intellect, emotions, and awareness.” Shri Chidanand Saraswati stated that, “Yoga is oneness, awareness, union, inclusiveness it includes all and excludes none.” Shri Subodh Tiwari highlighted the spirit of the initiative, called Yoga Connect “an effort to unite the global Yoga community beyond borders, languages, and cultures.”

The event witnessed the presence of over 1,000 participants, including distinguished Yoga gurus, health professionals, scientists, policy makers, entrepreneurs, influencers, and institutional representatives from India and abroad in a hybrid format. The event served as a global confluence of ideas, fostering cross-cultural collaboration, scientific dialogue, and collective vision for holistic well-being.

The event also witnessed the release of several impactful publications and knowledge resources:

• “Yoga Prabhava” Survey Report by Central Council ForResearch In Yoga And Naturopathy (CCRYN) – presenting the impact Assessment of Decade of International Day of Yoga in India.
• ​“Surveykshan” – assessing Yoga’s national influence
• A Scientometric Analysis of Yoga’s Global Influence by Pahle India Foundation & CCRYN – mapping yoga-related research
• “Bharatiya Vriksha Vaibhavam” by Sanskriti Foundation & CCRYN – celebrating India’s sacred tree heritage
• ​E-book: “IDY – The Yogic Path of a Statesman’s Vision” – tracing a decade of International Day of Yoga
• ​Yoga Samavesh Video – highlighting unity through yoga with mass participation

These releases reinforce India’s leadership in the global wellness movement and showcase the nation’s commitment to scientific, cultural, and grassroots dimensions of Yoga.

Along with this, six relevant sessions on Yoga’s various application and Industrial, Commercial advancement were also held during the day long deliberations, focusing on -- Yoga For prevention on NCDs, Yoga and its applications, Studies on Common Yoga Protocol and Impact Assessment of IDY, Yoga & Women’s Health Across Life Stages, Yoga Tech Innovation and Yoga Commerce and Industry.

In the Concluding session discussion was held on the Vision of Yoga for all. HR Nagendraji, S-VYASA University, His Holiness Bikku Sanghasena, Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (online). Sri Bharath Bhushan ji, Bharat Yog, Pujya Swami Mukundananda ji, JKYog (online), Dr MA Alwar, Sanskriti Foundation, Dr Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, Chinamay Kiyawatji, Arham Dhyan Yog and several eminent Yog gurus and professionals participated in it.

“Yoga Connect” is a movement that unites spiritual wisdom, scientific insight, and cultural pride. It reaffirms Yoga’s enduring relevance as a tool for personal transformation and planetary healing. As the world prepares to observe IDY 2025 on June 21, the Ministry of Ayush calls upon every citizen to embrace yoga not just for a day, but as a way of life.

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MV/AKS