Yoga Bandhan Global Event launched by MDNIY under Ministry of Ayush promotes international collaboration before IDY 2025. Learn about YCB upgrades, global participation, and yoga diplomacy.
MDNIY Launches ‘Yoga Bandhan’ to Strengthen Global Unity Before IDY 2025
Introduction: A Signature Global Yoga Initiative
The Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), under the Ministry of Ayush, inaugurated Yoga Bandhan on June 17, 2025, as one of the ten signature events leading up to International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025 Held at the MDNIY campus in Delhi, the initiative was designed to promote international collaboration and showcase India’s heritage as the birthplace of yoga.
Gathering of Global Yoga Ambassadors
Representatives—yoga academicians, studio founders, practitioners, authors, and wellness experts—from 15 countries participated in the eventInvited delegates included Josh Pryor (Australia), Prof. Danilo Forghieri (Brazil), Yin Yan (China), Vidya Volkova (Kazakhstan), and others from Argentina, Singapore, Russia, South Korea, South Africa, Malaysia, Brazil, Denmark, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Spain
Emphasizing India’s Yoga Leadership
Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, emphasized the widespread acceptance of AYUSH systems, noting that 95% of India’s population is aware of them and 35% actively practice yoga, according to NSSO data He highlighted how over 330,000 yoga events have been held globally, with an estimated 500,000 expected by June 21, 2025
Strengthening Certification and Collaboration
Kotecha announced enhancements to the Yoga Certification Board (YCB) to meet the rising global demand for certified yoga professionals. He invited international ambassadors to partner with YCB in areas such as education, training, and quality standards
Cultural Diplomacy in Action
Nandini Singla, Director General of ICCR, underscored yoga as a soft-power instrument, referring to delegates as “voices of peace and harmony.” She pointed to yoga showcases in iconic Indian cities—Delhi, Varanasi, Jodhpur, and Jaipur—and proposed short-term yoga courses to enhance cultural exchange
Philosophy and Unity Behind IDY
Monalisa Dash, Joint Secretary, Ministry of AYUSH, framed IDY as a global movement rooted in the Indian principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—“the world is one family.” She explained that each year’s IDY theme reflects yoga’s global and unifying nature
Campus Event and Roundtables
The hybrid-format event also featured a guided campus tour, interactive sessions on yoga pedagogy, and a cultural yoga-fusion performance by MDNIY students. Delegates took part in dialogues around research partnerships and shared best practices in yoga education
Towards IDY 2025: June 21 Celebrations
The global ambassadors will participate in further workshops, institutional visits, and policy discussions over the next few days. These interactions will culminate in the grand celebration of IDY on June 21, 2025
B) Why This News Is Important
Strengthening Global Influence Through Yoga
Yoga Bandhan underscores India’s leadership in the international wellness and soft-diplomacy arena. By bringing global yoga stakeholders to Delhi under one roof, India is leveraging cultural heritage to forge bilateral and multilateral ties—an important point for exam questions on cultural diplomacy and global public good initiatives.
Boosting Global Yoga Standards
Upgrading the Yoga Certification Board (YCB) is strategic in meeting the global demand for certified yoga professionals. This improves India’s credibility in wellness tourism, health diplomacy, and educational exports—topics relevant to banking, civil services, and promotional strategies in public administration.
Legacy of IDY & Policy Implications
The initiative builds on the UN-recognized International Day of Yoga (since 2015). It aligns with India’s broader policies on AYUSH promotion, cultural diplomacy, and global health frameworks—key for aspirants preparing for exams like UPSC, SSC, and state PCS, which often ask about policy initiatives and their implementation.
Relevance for Defence & Railways
Promoting wellness through yoga has practical benefits for sectors such as defence forces and railway employees, where physical and mental fitness is essential. Familiarity with such large-scale programmes can be valuable in sections on service welfare and employee benefits.
C) Historical Context
Origin of International Day of Yoga
In December 2014, India’s Prime Minister proposed a dedicated global yoga day at the UN, which was adopted unanimously. The first International Day of Yoga (IDY) was celebrated on June 21, 2015, with participation from 177 nations worldwide.
Evolving Soft Power Strategy
IDY reflects India’s evolving soft power policy, leveraging traditional knowledge systems like yoga to enhance global cultural presence. Subsequent years have seen increasing global participation, institutional collaborations, and integration of wellness into global diplomacy.
Institutional Framework
MDNIY, established in 1971 and affiliated with the Ministry of AYUSH, has led the institutionalisation of yoga education, research, and teacher training. The YCB, established in 2018, standardizes yoga teacher certification—key in promoting quality assurance worldwide.
Signature Events & Pre‑IDY Legacy
In the lead-up to IDY 2025, the March–June global campaign (100 Days, 100 Cities, 100+ Organisations) set the stage for Yoga Bandhan, showcasing international reach and diplomatic engagement through cultural activities
D) Key Takeaways from Yoga Bandhan Initiative
| S. No. | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | Hosted by MDNIY under AYUSH as one of 10 IDY 2025 signature events |
| 2 | Gathered yoga delegates from 15 countries for global collaboration |
| 3 | NSSO data: 95% awareness, 35% active yoga participation in India |
| 4 | Over 330k yoga events held globally; estimated 500k by June 21, 2025 |
| 5 | YCB to be upgraded, inviting international partners |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Yoga Bandhan initiative?
Yoga Bandhan is a global yoga partnership programme launched by the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY) under the Ministry of Ayush. It aims to foster international collaboration ahead of International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025.
2. Who participated in the Yoga Bandhan event?
Delegates from 15 countries participated, including yoga practitioners, studio heads, authors, and wellness experts from nations like Australia, China, Brazil, Spain, and Kazakhstan.
3. What is the role of the Yoga Certification Board (YCB)?
The YCB ensures standardisation of yoga teaching in India and abroad. It certifies professionals based on defined benchmarks of knowledge, skill, and teaching ability.
4. Why is International Day of Yoga celebrated on June 21?
June 21 is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and holds spiritual significance in many cultures. It was chosen by the UN on India’s proposal for this reason.
5. How is the Ministry of Ayush promoting yoga internationally?
Through initiatives like Yoga Bandhan, short-term courses, certification partnerships, and global events in collaboration with ICCR, the ministry aims to enhance India’s soft power and promote holistic wellness worldwide.
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