31-07-2025
From stress to serenity: How India's yoga diplomacy can benefit H-1B holders
As someone who has been advocating for knowledge-worker rights since 2004, I've witnessed the H-1B visa issue evolve from online debates to kitchen table discussions and eventually, to the halls of Congress. The uncertainty and anxiety faced by Indian H-1B holders and their families have only intensified with the growing US visa backlog, now a staggering 11.3 million under the Trump administration.
The US visa backlog has real-life implications for millions of Indians who have invested in their American dreams. Delays and uncertainty have become a constant source of stress, affecting not just their careers but also their personal lives. As a nation with a significant soft power asset in spiritual diplomacy, India must navigate this complex issue while balancing its strategic autonomy.
A Powerful Tool for Cultural Understanding
India's spiritual diplomacy, including Yoga diplomacy, can be a potent tool in promoting cultural understanding and cooperation. With International Yoga Day recognised by over 180 countries worldwide, Yoga has become a global phenomenon, promoting Indian heritage and global harmony. Yoga, with its emphasis on mindfulness, breath control, and physical well-being, can help alleviate stress and anxiety, promoting mental health and resilience. By showcasing its rich spiritual heritage and promoting Yoga, India can foster people-to-people connections and build bridges between nations.
Creating a Collective Collaborative Ecosystem
To harness the benefits of Yoga diplomacy, India can invite Yoga centres across the country to participate in a unified initiative. This ecosystem can be built by partnering with renowned Yoga centres and ashrams to develop and promote Yoga programs tailored to the needs of Indian citizens abroad. Digital platforms like YogaYukt can disseminate Yoga resources, including videos, apps, and online classes, to enhance accessibility and reach a wider audience of over 650,000 volunteers trained through the Yoga Certification Board. Collaborating with research institutions can also help study the benefits of Yoga and meditation for mental health and well-being.
Economic Potential
The significance of Yoga and Ayurveda extends beyond culture and diplomacy — they also carry major economic potential. As part of the $4 trillion global wellness industry, India has positioned itself as a leading supplier of Ayurvedic products, herbal remedies, and wellness services. Yoga-related tourism, teacher training programs, and international workshops generate revenue and open up employment opportunities. With global trends shifting toward preventive health and natural living, India is increasingly seen as a hub for integrative healthcare — a fusion of tradition and innovation.
A Game-Changer for Global Understanding
India's collective collaborative effort to promote Yoga diplomacy can be a game-changer in fostering global understanding, cooperation, and peace. By harnessing the power of Yoga and meditation, India can promote its rich spiritual heritage, build bridges between nations, and demonstrate its commitment to the well-being of individuals worldwide. This initiative can not only aid in addressing the challenges faced by Indian citizens abroad but also showcase India's unique cultural identity and promote a positive image of the nation globally. With a 25-million-strong Indian diaspora representing a powerful network of influence across the world, Yoga diplomacy provides a cultural link that strengthens ties between these communities and their homeland. As India continues to navigate complex global issues, its Yoga diplomacy effort can serve as a beacon of hope and cooperation, promoting a more harmonious and peaceful world order.
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Views expressed above are the author's own.
