International Day of Yoga
In 2014, the United Nations declared 21 June as International Day Of Yoga.
The 11th International Day of Yoga this year, 2025, connected people in all corners of the world in a scintillating dance of breath, movement, and mindfulness. Whether it was at the iconic Times Square in New York or India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi leading the world’s largest ever yoga gathering of three lakh citizens in Visakhapatnam, India or in peaceful parks across all countries, yoga mats were unrolled and spirits soared high.
The theme of International Yoga Day 2025
The Theme of International Yoga Day 2025 was “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” which beautifully echoed the spirit of the times. As climate change, pandemics, and lifestyle diseases challenge us, this theme focuses on the interconnectedness between individual well-being and environmental sustainability. From mindful breathing to eco-conscious living, yoga offers a blueprint for the life we must live, for a healthier body and mind, and equally for a greener, more conscious planet.
Significance of International Yoga Day
Promoting Global Wellness:- Today yoga’s physical and mental health benefits are backed by science. Whether we are talking about reducing anxiety or boosting immunity, the world is recognizing its transformative power.
Bridging Tradition and Modern Health:- Although yoga is thousands of years old, it is fully relevant in today’s fast-paced world. It’s ancient wisdom supports modern wellness, and today we see yoga studios abounding along with yoga and mindfulness apps.
Uniting Cultures Through Yoga:- On this day, people from Tokyo to Toronto practiced the same postures, chanted the same mantras, and shared the same intention: peace and health. International Yoga Day has truly made yoga a universal language.
India Leads the Global Yoga Movement
India, the birthplace of yoga, continues to champion its global journey.
Role of the Government of India:- Through the Ministry of AYUSH, India has led awareness campaigns, teacher training, research, and international collaborations.
Mass Yoga Events and Campaigns:- From the Ganga ghats to Himalayan schools, yoga sessions flow nationwide. Even Ladakh’s high-altitude yogis join in.
The Prime Minister’s Message:- PM Narendra Modi emphasized that “Yoga is India's gift to humanity, and today, it’s a tool for both individual health and environmental harmony.”
Highlights from the 2025 Celebration
This year the celebration and awareness for yoga was spectacular, and I had the privilege of being featured on CNN News during the 11th International Day of Yoga. At age 63, I am always excited to highlight the fact that following the yogic path helps to keep us healthy lifelong.
I demonstrated Chair Yoga, which is accessible to all: fit or unfit, young or old. Simple poses like Cat-Cow, Proud warrior 2, forward and backward bends can be done with the help of a chair, most of these exercises while sitting; and they’re perfect for seniors, beginners, office-goers or anyone who might find traditional mat yoga a bit challenging. I wanted to show that yoga doesn’t need to be intimidating, it should be inviting.
I shared my personal belief that yoga isn’t just for the young, the flexible, or elderly people. It’s for anyone who’s ready to begin. Our bodies are more forgiving than we think. If we offer our body patience, consistency, and care, it will respond with strength, agility, and grace, at any age.
During The Interview, I Also Spoke About How:
Yoga is adaptable. Whether you are recovering from an injury, managing age-related limitations, or just starting out, yoga can be modified to suit your needs.
There is no age limit to starting. I began my yoga journey in my 30’s and I’m still growing in it today.
Yoga supports emotional and mental balance, not just physical health. In today’s stressful world, the inner calm it brings is truly a gift.
Nutrition is equally essential - we should eat mindfully, fresh and nutritious food, because it is this food that builds our body and food also forms the biochemistry of our thoughts.
More than anything, I wanted people to know that they needn’t prepare or wait to begin. Just begin. Whether it's five minutes of breathing or a full session of movement, every effort counts.
Conclusion
International Day of Yoga 2025 wasn’t just about striking poses; it was a global phenomenon, a reminder that health isn’t individual anymore; it’s collective. As I had reinforced, yoga is supremely adaptable and mouldable to suit our needs; whether we are a teenager or an octogenarian, a differently abled person or a pregnant woman - all postures can be altered and adapted to suit our needs. So today, take a deep breath. Whether you are on a mat or a chair, in a garden, or on your terrace; you're part of a movement that’s healing both you and the Earth.
Namaste, World.