In the run-up to the grand celebration of the 11th (IDY), an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) meeting was held yesterday at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, reflecting the Indian Government’s steadfast commitment to a Whole-of-Government Approach for this globally significant observance. This strategic assembly brought together senior officials from a broad spectrum of ministries, Ayush institutions, and relevant stakeholder departments to synergize efforts and amplify outreach ahead of IDY 2025.

Delivering the keynote address, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush and Minister of State, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, stressed the importance of an integrated approach in realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of taking yoga to every citizen. “The International Day of Yoga is not just a celebration—it is a movement that unites ministries, institutions, and citizens in a shared commitment to holistic health,” Shri Jadhav affirmed.

The Minister highlighted the momentum already achieved through over 250 yoga-related events organized across India and internationally. He called for a renewed push in the final phase of preparations, underscoring the significance of daily countdown events—76 held since March 13—which have fostered growing enthusiasm both within India and abroad. Reflecting on the recent Group of Ministers’ meeting chaired by the Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare, he acknowledged the strategic inputs received for finalizing event execution. Shri Jadhav also paid tribute to Yoga Gurus for their key contributions to the development of the Common Yoga Protocol, and urged all ministries to ensure robust participation in the upcoming Yoga Sangam.

In his welcome address, the Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, set the tone for the meeting by underlining the global significance of IDY 2025. Describing IDY as one of the largest global movements in wellness, he revealed that approximately 24 crore individuals participated in IDY 2024 in India alone. For this year’s celebration, the Ministry is scaling its ambitions further with the flagship event Yoga Sangam, where over 1 lakh yoga events will be conducted simultaneously across the country on 21st June 2025.

The national event will be led by the Prime Minister from Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, symbolizing the government’s strong message of unity, vitality, and international cooperation. The Secretary emphasized that IDY should be viewed not merely as a one-day occasion, but as a cornerstone of the global wellness movement. Recalling the Prime Minister’s recent speech at the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, he reiterated India’s invitation for global participation in IDY 2025.

The upcoming edition will focus on 10 Signature Events tailored to key sectors such as education, youth, corporates, and armed forces, in line with the 2025 theme: “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”. This theme powerfully resonates with the WHO’s message of “One World, One Health”, reinforcing the interconnectedness of personal well-being, environmental sustainability, and global health.

A comprehensive presentation by the Officer on Special Duty (OSD) – IDY Coordination followed, mapping out detailed strategies and areas requiring collaboration from all stakeholders. The OSD explained that IDY, since its inception in 2015 following a UNGA resolution initiated by Prime Minister Modi, has matured from a Whole-of-Government to a Whole-of-the-Nation endeavor.

He informed attendees that alongside physical events, a series of online activities such as the popular ‘Yoga Unplugged’ series on MyGov have successfully engaged youth and digital audiences. The highlight of this year’s celebration—the national event in Visakhapatnam—is projected to host over 5 lakh participants, setting a new benchmark in scale and visibility.

The Ministries of and Culture will also play a vital role by organizing IDY events at 150 iconic tourist sites, showcasing India’s rich heritage and cultural vibrancy through the lens of yoga. These venues are expected to attract global attention and reflect India’s leadership in promoting sustainable lifestyle choices.

Ms. Monalisa Dash, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, encapsulated the spirit of the meeting by stating, “The International Day of Yoga is not just an event—it is a celebration of India’s timeless gift to the world. As we mark the 11th edition this year, our focus is on deeper engagement, wider outreach, and lasting impact. Through the Whole-of-Government approach, we are working to make IDY 2025 truly inclusive and transformative.”

This coordinated push for a truly people-centric celebration ensures that yoga remains a powerful symbol of India’s soft power and global leadership in wellness. It aims to galvanize communities, inspire healthier living, and promote unity across borders.

The meeting concluded with a strong call for collective action and shared responsibility from all departments, institutions, and citizens. As India prepares to celebrate the 11th International Day of Yoga, it stands poised to reinforce its legacy of health, peace, and global cooperation through yoga.

With millions expected to roll out their mats on 21st June 2025, and with the Prime Minister at the helm in Visakhapatnam, IDY 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark in India’s journey toward universal wellness—a message that echoes far beyond borders and generations.