In a continued effort to promote yoga as a holistic wellness practice, the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, has launched multiple global initiatives and allocated ₹15.30 crores for research projects in educational institutions, research centers, and wellness hubs. These efforts aim to deepen the understanding and practice of yoga across the world.
Key Initiatives to Promote Yoga
International Day of Yoga (IDY)
The International Day of Yoga, celebrated on June 21 each year, has become a hallmark of India’s cultural diplomacy. Since its inception by the United Nations in 2014, IDY has witnessed mass participation worldwide, with events organized by Indian embassies, yoga practitioners, and local communities.
Educational and Certification Programs
The Ministry has supported yoga education by launching courses and establishing Ayush Chairs at universities abroad. Additionally, the Yoga Certification Board (YCB), set up by the Ministry, provides globally recognized certifications for yoga professionals and institutions. This initiative ensures high standards in yoga teaching and fosters an international network of certified practitioners.
Digital Outreach
The Ministry has harnessed technology to make yoga more accessible. Multilingual yoga resources, mobile apps such as Y-Break, and instructional videos have been created to reach diverse global audiences.
Global Promotion Through Embassies
Indian embassies and high commissions have become pivotal in spreading yoga awareness globally through:
- IDY Celebrations: Collaborating with local organizations to host International Day of Yoga events that attract widespread community participation.
- Workshops and Demonstrations: Organizing regular yoga sessions and live demonstrations in partnership with local institutions.
- Cultural Integration: Incorporating yoga into Indian cultural festivals and embassy outreach programs.
- Resource Distribution: Establishing Ayush Information Cells at Indian embassies to provide resources and information on yoga’s health benefits.
Research and Innovation
To complement its promotional efforts, the Ministry of Ayush has funded research projects on yoga across various institutions, with ₹15.30 crores allocated to advance understanding and evidence-based practices. These studies focus on yoga’s impact on physical and mental health, its therapeutic applications, and its potential to address modern lifestyle challenges.
A Global Movement for Wellness
Through its multifaceted approach, the Ministry of Ayush has positioned yoga not only as a physical activity but as a philosophy of life that fosters health and well-being. With continued international outreach, certification programs, and research investments, yoga’s global footprint continues to expand, reflecting India’s enduring commitment to this ancient discipline.
For more details, refer to the annexure listing the research institutions and wellness centers actively working on yoga-related projects.
The number of educational institutions, research centres, wellness centres and other institutions wherein research on Yoga is being carried out through implementation of research projects
S.No. | Name of Project | Name of Centres | No. of Projects |
1. | Collaborative Centre for Mind Body Intervention through Yoga | (a) All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Raipur, Chhattisgarh
(b) AIIMS, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand (c) Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGI), Chandigarh |
05
05 05 |
2. | Collaborative Research Centre’s (CRC) |
|
12
12 08 |
3. | Intra Mural Research (IMR) |
|
01
16
01 01
02 01 |