11th International Day of Yoga celebrated on 21 st June 2025: “Yoga One Earth One Health”

The 11 th International Day of Yoga was observed along with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 21 st June 2025 in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The event was headed by the theme, One Earth, One Health -Yoga thus bringing out the strong connection between personal health and planetary health. There were more than 24.53 crore participants across the world, which is very impressive. Started at the UN in 2014 with 175 countries in support of it, the IDY 2025 focused on yoga and how it can enhance health and sustainability, as well as cultural unity. It was also the intention of the celebration to transform India into a global leader in wellness and environmentally friendly living.

Context

• Going further, International Day of Yoga (IDY) initiated by the United Nations in 2014 is a worldwide event spreading the idea about yoga as a practice that preaches unity of mind, body and nature. 
• The theme of 2025 highlights the critical connection between the health of the individual and the health of the planet supporting the role of yoga in the sustainable existence.

Event Highlights

• Time: 21 st June, 2025
• Place: Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
• Prime minister: Narendra Modi
• Members: 24.53 crore globally (compared to the 9 crore in 2018)
• Theme: One Earth, One Health- Yoga

IDY 2025 goals

• Advocate yoga as an all-encompassing well being activity
• Create world wide knowledge on the health and environmental effects of yoga
• Promote environmental friendly lifestyles
• Make India an example to the world in terms of wellness and cultural diplomacy

Key Features

• International Acceptance: Backed by 175 states in the world united nations (UN)
• Mass Outreach:Ordained by Ministry of AYUSH involving state government and United Nations Agencies
• Cultural Leadership: Displays the yogic tradition of India
• Sustainability Focus: Promotes the connection between climate action and personal health

Importance of the Day

• Affordable health care solution to the mind and body
• Increases India soft power in the world order
• Creates consciousness of the environmental stewardship using yoga

UN Involvement

• It was proposed by India at the 69 th UNGA in 2014
• UN proclaimed: 21 st June as IDY on 11 th December 2014
• First IDY Celebration 21 st June 2015

Why, June 21 st?

• Summer Solstice: Longest day in the North side hemisphere
• Symbolism: It symbolizes spiritual enlightenment and illumination in yoga tradition

Global Recognition

• UNESCO (2016): Yoga pronounced an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
• WHO Endorsement: Part of the WHO global action plan (2018 30) on NCDs
• Sports Priority: declared as a priority sport by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports of India in 2015

About Yoga

What is Yoga?

• Meaning: The word has originated in Sanskrit, which translates to Yuj meaning unity.
• History: Derived to Indus Valley Civilization (e.g. Pashupati seal)
• Textual Roots: They are found in the Vedas and in Yogasutras by Patanjali
• Philosophical School: one of six orthodox schools of Indian philosophy including Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Sankhya, Mimamsa, and Vedanta

Relevance in the Modern Times

• Promotes flexibility, mind strengthening and de-stressing
• Psycho-social rehabilitation of COVID-19 is utilized
• Dissemination of fashionable types: Hatha, Ashtanga, Yoga Iyengar

Attempts by India to popularise yoga

• M-Yoga App: It provides yoga education in various languages to different worlds.
• Vocational Yoga Courses: in the programs of education and skills Under educational and skills programs
• Fit India Movement: Stimulates health and yoga awareness in the whole country

Conclusion

The 11th International Day of Yoga focuses on the fact that there is a close relationship between physical health of individuals and planetary wellbeing. With the slogan of, “Yoga on One Earth, One Health”, the event will bring into focus the increasing importance of yoga in the world in terms of health, sustainability, and cultural diplomacy. The increase of its global involvement confirms the contribution of yoga to a healthier and mindful world.