by Smt Meetal Koticha Shah
Joint Executive Trustee & CEO – Project ‘Life’ & Senior Vice-Chairperson, Gujarat Chapter, IYA
As the world celebrates the International Day of Yoga 2025 on 21st June, the essence of its theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health” resonates the deep universal interconnectedness between personal well-being and health of the planet across all borders.
In contemporary times, climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss present consequential challenges to human health; clearly signifying its close relationship with planetary health. Survival and thriving of mankind hinge on recognizing and addressing this contingency.
Yoga, the science and art of unification that begins within, integrating body, mind, and spirit, radiates its central philosophy to assimilate human relationship with the environment. The Sanskrit origin yuj meaning “to join” or “to unite” symbolizes the essential harmony Yoga cultivates, within the human self as much as with the five elements which are common to human body and the nature; and which sustain all life.
Through mindful practice of asana, pranayama, and meditation, Yoga nurtures heightened awareness of self and the surrounding world, begetting gratitude and reverence for the nature, accentuating that human wellbeing is profoundly linked to the planet’s health. When people are mentally, physically and emotionally healthy, they create vibrant human existence and when human existence is in harmony with nature, ecosystems flourish.
Yoga’s significance transcends physical health, extending into ethical and sustainable living. The foundational principles of yamas and niyamas — non-violence (ahimsa), truthfulness (satya), contentment (santosha), and mindful consumption — cultivate compassion and responsibility towards all beings and towards nature, which help reduce mankind’s ecological footprint and inspire a lifestyle that honours the Earth as a sacred entity; not a resource to be exploited.
Environmental mayhems create significant mental, physical and emotional impacts, causing anxiety and agony about the planet’s future. Yoga helps to manage these emotions with calmness and clarity, fostering resilience and empowering thoughtful, collective action.
Across the globe, gratifyingly, a growing number of yoga practitioners and institutions are embracing eco-conscious approaches — practising Yoga outdoors in nature, using sustainable mats and props, supporting environment-friendly Yoga studios and organizing initiatives like tree plantation and clean-up campaigns – conforming the spirit of One Earth, One Health by integrating Yoga’s philosophy into practical environmental stewardship.
Yoga’s universal appeal lies in its inclusive approach that nurtures body, mind, and spirit together, promoting improved physical health, mental clarity, emotional balance, and deeper self-awareness across all ages & cultures. Through Yoga, millions worldwide experience enhanced well-being and a renewed sense of unity; within themselves and with the world around them.
As we celebrate International Day of Yoga 2025, let us reaffirm our commitment to this sacred connection between self and Earth. Let Yoga be the path to a better way of life so that together, we can foster a healthier, more harmonious, more liveable planet.
One Earth. One Health. One World.
