Yoga has become an entry point to Indian culture, traditions and worldview

Indian Express

4 hours ago

In the evolving dynamics of global diplomacy, where military strength and economic prowess often dominate the discourse, India has found an alternative, peaceful path of influence — one that is deeply rooted in its civilisational heritage. That path is yoga.
The global celebration of Yoga transcends borders, uniting people through a shared pursuit of peace, well-being, and harmony. As a timeless gift from India to the world, Yoga offers a holistic approach to health and mindfulness. Its universal appeal lies in its ability to foster balance, making it a powerful tool for collective healing and coexistence in today's increasingly fragmented world.
Once confined to ashrams and spiritual retreats, yoga has emerged as a powerful symbol of India's soft power. It is not merely a physical or wellness practice; it is a philosophical offering, a civilisational gift that transcends borders, religions, and ideologies. While India's tryst with yoga in the public sphere dates back to national leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, who was himself a practitioner, it is under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that yoga has been transformed into an instrument of strategic cultural diplomacy.
Personal to the Global
Prime Minister Modi's commitment to yoga is not symbolic — it is integral to his worldview. In 2014, in a landmark move at the United Nations General Assembly, he proposed the observance of the International Day of Yoga (IDY). The resolution, supported by a record 177 countries, was a defining moment in India's public diplomacy. It affirmed yoga as a global heritage of wellness and inner peace and positioned India at the heart of an international movement.
Since then, IDY has grown into a worldwide phenomenon. Every year on June 21, people across continents — from Times Square in New York to the beaches of Bali — roll out their mats in unison. Among the most iconic was the ninth IDY celebration, when PM Modi led a yoga session at the UN Headquarters in New York, uniting world leaders and UN officials in a shared experience of mindfulness and breath.
I am delighted to share that the current year's edition of the IDY is shaping up to be among the largest, most inclusive, and far-reaching celebration of Yoga to date. With the theme 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health,' the spirit of IDY has already begun to resonate across the globe. This powerful theme underscores the intrinsic connection between individual well-being and the health of our planet, reminding us that caring for ourselves also means caring for the earth.
In the run-up to the main event, millions of people from all walks of life are embracing Yoga as a pathway to individual well-being and planetary harmony. These global efforts reflect a growing collective consciousness — one that recognises health as a shared responsibility and Yoga as a timeless solution.
The strategic relevance of Yoga for global wellbeing
Yoga, rooted in traditional Indian wisdom, offers a holistic approach to health by integrating body, mind, and spirit. Its global adoption addresses modern challenges like stress, lifestyle disorders, and mental health. As a preventive and promotive health practice, yoga aligns with global wellness goals, making it a strategic tool for fostering harmony, resilience, and sustainable well-being across cultures.
According to a 2019 survey by Yoga Journal, over 36 million Americans practice yoga. This demographic spans policymakers, corporate leaders, educators, and artists — those who influence public discourse and steer institutional priorities. It includes individuals who are college-educated, liberal, and globally connected. Yoga has become an entry point to Indian culture and, by extension, to India's values, traditions, and worldview.
In high-level diplomatic engagements, yoga often serves as a cultural common ground — an icebreaker in otherwise complex conversations. Prime Minister Modi has remarked that many of his meetings with world leaders begin with discussions on yoga. Some seek literature, others share their routines. This shared vocabulary creates rapport and trust, critical ingredients for diplomacy.
Yoga and India's global image
At a time when nations fiercely compete to define narratives, yoga offers India a powerful and positive story to tell. It presents India as a country that promotes wellness, peace, and inclusivity. This is particularly important in countering negative perceptions that sometimes pervade international discourse, which can shape everything from investment flows to strategic partnerships.
Yoga is not just about India's past; it is about the future it envisions for the world. A future rooted in sustainable living, inner balance, and holistic health. In an age grappling with anxiety, isolation, and ecological disconnection, yoga becomes a remedy not just of the body but of civilisation itself.
Universal appeal, global acceptance
Perhaps the most compelling testament to yoga's universal appeal is its adoption by nations with vastly different cultural and religious contexts. In a striking example, Saudi Arabia has recently approved yoga as a sporting activity and is preparing to introduce it into university curricula. This marks a significant departure from historical resistance and showcases how effectively India, under PM Modi's leadership, has depoliticised and secularised yoga on the global stage. Yoga is no longer seen as a religious practice but as a global good — accessible, adaptable, and apolitical.
The Padma Shri awarded to H.E. Sheikha Shaikha Ali Al-Jaber Al-Sabah highlights yoga's growing global influence. As a Kuwaiti national and founder of Daratma, she symbolises yoga's cross-cultural appeal. Her recognition shows how yoga is uniting diverse communities worldwide through wellness, education, and compassion.
Yoga and normative power
PM Modi's articulation of India as a Vishwaguru — a teacher to the world — is more than a rhetorical flourish. It reflects a long-term vision of India as a normative power, capable of influencing global standards, values, and ethics. Today, Europe dominates the normative domain, having successfully globalised concepts such as human rights and sustainable development. But yoga, with its moral, ecological, and social dimensions, offers India an entry point into this arena.
Yoga comes with embedded philosophies — ahimsa (non-violence), santosha (contentment), aparigraha (non-possessiveness) — that have profound implications for global debates on peacebuilding, climate change, and mental health. It represents not only a method of self-improvement but a framework for collective wellbeing.
India has already taken significant strides to amplify yoga's global soft power. Yoga and spiritual tourism are flourishing, with international visitors exploring India's sacred wellness hubs. Renowned Centres of Excellence are advancing yoga education and research. The Indian diaspora is actively promoting yoga abroad, while startups are innovating wellness solutions. Strengthened governance and economic credibility further reinforce yoga's international acceptance as a symbol of India's cultural leadership.
Breathing harmony into diplomacy
Yoga has become more than India's cultural export — it is a statement of India's peaceful ambitions and civilisational wisdom. In an era marked by strife and uncertainty, it signals a mindful path to harmony. Under PM Modi's leadership, yoga has transitioned from a solitary practice to a collective experience of humanity. It is our bridge to the world and our mirror to ourselves.
As we continue to celebrate this ancient practice, may yoga serve as India's most graceful stride toward becoming not just a geopolitical power, but a moral force in the global order. I urge everyone to join the International Day of Yoga 2025 celebrations and take this opportunity to embrace yoga as a part of daily life. Yoga is a simple yet powerful practice that nurtures both body and mind. Let us come together to celebrate our shared well-being and make yoga a lasting habit for a healthier, happier future.
The writer is MoS, Ministry of Ayush