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Yoga has long been woven into everyday life, especially in India, where it often shows up as routine or ritual.
As we mark another International Yoga Day, here’s a look at what the theme means this year, and how more Indians are (or aren’t) embracing the practice.
Why International Yoga Day Is Celebrated
Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed the idea of celebrating International Yoga Day at the United Nations General Assembly in 2014. He highlighted yoga’s universal appeal and suggested June 21, which marks the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere.
A total of 175 countries supported the proposal, and the first International Yoga Day was celebrated back in 2015. Since then, the day has come to symbolize the harmony between human wellness and nature across the world.
Theme and Logo for 2025
This year’s theme is “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”, which aligns with India’s G20 presidency vision: One Earth, One Family, One Future.
The official logo reflects the core belief of yoga—the union of individual consciousness with universal consciousness. The logo's folded hands represent balance between body and mind.
Natural elements are also represented: brown leaves for earth, blue and green for water, and fire through brightness. The sun in the logo stands for the endless source of energy and inspiration.
Why the Day Matters
International Yoga Day is meant to promote yoga's wide-ranging benefits not just in India but around the world. It’s more than just a wellness routine. It strengthens the body, relaxes the mind, and boosts self-awareness.
What the Survey Revealed
Ahead of this year’s celebrations, the Ministry of Ayush conducted a survey to understand how yoga fits into people’s everyday lives.
The findings show that nearly one in four Indians now practice some form of yoga, whether through breathing exercises, meditation, or asanas.
11% said they do yoga daily
13% do it occasionally
But around 75% still don’t practice yoga at all
Government Plans to Encourage Participation
To encourage more people to take up yoga, the government has introduced a few key initiatives:
Turning regular parks into yoga parks, especially in rural and urban areas
Embedding yoga in school and college wellness programs to build early habits in the 18–24 age group
Office-based yoga sessions and flexible work setups for the middle-aged
Chair-based asanas and balance exercises for senior citizens
Interestingly, researchers noted that around 17% of the elderly population already practice yoga regularly, the highest among all age groups.
“The elderly recognize the benefits of yoga, but many face barriers in including the practice in their daily lives. To address this, senior citizen–focused modules such as chair-based asanas, balance exercises, and guided breathwork should be delivered through community health centers and assisted living facilities, ensuring that older adults can safely and confidently integrate yoga into their daily routine,” said Raghavendra Rao, Director of the Central Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy.
Officials have also suggested expanding access to yoga trainers and classes, both offline and online, to make the practice more inclusive.
Highlighting the benefits of Yoga, Saima Wazed, Regional Director of WHO Southeast Asia, in conversation with Times of India, said:
The benefits of yoga are well-documented. Studies have shown that 77% of people report feeling physically stronger after practicing yoga regularly. 82% of patients with chronic inflammation experienced a nearly 50% reduction in symptoms after just six weeks of daily yoga. A study by Harvard Medical School found 60% of patients with depression experienced a significant reduction in symptoms after practicing yoga twice a week for eight weeks.
Saima Wazed, Regional Director of WHO Southeast Asia
Looking Ahead
Years may pass, themes may change—but in India, yoga still finds a place in the daily rhythm. The real question is: Will this be the year you bring it into yours?
(Input From Various Sources)
(Rehash/Pooja Bansal/MSM)
