In a major step towards uniting the world through the ancient practice of yoga, the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY) launched ‘Yoga Bandhan’, a flagship international program under the Ministry of Ayush. As a Signature Event leading up to the International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025, the initiative brought together yoga ambassadors from 15 countries to strengthen global partnerships in yoga education, diplomacy, and wellness, reflecting India’s continued leadership in promoting cultural unity and holistic health worldwide.
Why in News?
MDNIY has launched ‘Yoga Bandhan’, a Signature Event for IDY 2025. The program aims to foster global institutional partnerships and promote yoga diplomacy. It hosted over 15 international yoga ambassadors and experts. The initiative aligns with the IDY 2025 theme of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”—the world is one family.
Objectives of ‘Yoga Bandhan’
- Strengthen international collaboration through yoga-based cultural and academic exchanges.
- Promote global awareness of India’s Ayush systems, especially yoga.
- Position India as the global hub of yoga knowledge and training.
- Encourage institution-to-institution partnerships in yoga research, education, and certification.
Highlights of the Event
- Held at the MDNIY campus in Delhi.
- Featured delegates from 15 countries, including Australia, Brazil, China, and Kazakhstan.
Included,
- A keynote address by Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush.
- Remarks from Nandini Singla, DG of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).
- Presentations on Ayush usage and yoga adoption in India (35% active yoga practitioners per NSSO).
- Cultural performances and guided campus tours.
- Interactive sessions on yoga communication and fusion yoga demonstrations.
Key Themes and Initiatives Discussed
- Harit Yoga, Yoga Connect, and Samyoga: campaigns under IDY 2025 to promote sustainability, collaboration, and inclusivity through yoga.
- Upgrades to the Yoga Certification Board (YCB) to meet global demand for certified professionals.
- Proposal to introduce short-term yoga courses for international tourists.
- Use of yoga for India’s cultural diplomacy—yoga demonstrations at iconic sites like Varanasi and Jaipur.
Notable International Participants
- Josh Pryor, President & CEO, Yoga Australia
- Prof. Danilo Forghieri Santaella, University of São Paulo, Brazil
- Yin Yan, Founder, Yogi Yoga, China
- Vidya Volkova, Director, Shakti Yoga Studio, Kazakhstan
Significance
- Reinforces India’s role as a global thought leader in health and wellness.
- Builds a network of international yoga ambassadors ahead of IDY 2025.
- Demonstrates the soft power of yoga in fostering diplomacy, peace, and collaboration.
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