On June 14, 2025, the grand halls of Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, came alive with the soulful resonance of mantras, wisdom, and yogic energy as Yoga Connect 2025 unfolded in a majestic confluence of tradition and transformation. Organized by the Central Council for Research in Yoga & Naturopathy (CCRYN) under the Ministry of Ayush, this Global Yoga Summit was a defining moment in the countdown to the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY).
The summit’s theme — “Yoga for One Earth, One Health” — echoed through every session and conversation, aligning with the global vision of wellness through unity. Yet, at the heart of this gathering stood the Indian Yoga Association (IYA) — the nation’s most respected collective of yoga institutions — radiating the depth, dignity, and direction of India’s ancient yogic wisdom.
The event commenced with a ceremonial lamp lighting by Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush Shri Prataprao Jadhav, joined by revered yoga gurus and dignitaries. Among them were some of IYA’s most influential torchbearers — Maa Dr. Hansaji Yogendra, Director of The Yoga Institute and President, IYA; Shri Subodh Tiwari, CEO of Kaivalyadhama and Secretary General, IYA; Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, President of Parmarth Niketan and Governing Council Member of IYA; and Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush.
Addressing the gathering the Union Minister of State (I/C) for Ayush Shri Prataprao Jadhav shared insights into the Ministry’s efforts to mainstream Yoga in health and wellness systems. He said that the Ministry has undertaken a nationwide impact survey and stated that, “studies show that Yoga supports management of diabetes, heart health, cancer recovery, and elderly care.” He emphasized Yoga’s relevance in skill development and employment, calling it a “driving force behind the ‘Global Yoga Kranti’ and India’s leadership in the wellness sector”.
Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat praised the vision of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in elevating Yoga from “Chiti (individual consciousness) to Rashtrachiti (national consciousness)”. He stated that “Yoga Connect is a call to embrace Yoga not as an activity, but as a lifestyle. On June 21, let us celebrate IDY 2025 as a true tribute to India’s timeless wisdom.”
Voices of the Masters, Spirit of the Association
In a gathering where over 1,000 participants joined—physically and virtually—from across the globe, the voices of IYA’s spiritual and institutional leaders brought depth and soul to the proceedings.
Maa Dr. Hansaji Yogendra, a guiding light in the yogic world, reminded everyone:
“Yoga is not something we do—it is who we are. It must become a way of living with wisdom, emotion, and awareness.”
Her words echoed IYA’s vision: yoga is not a technique to be perfected, but a consciousness to be embodied.
Shri Subodh Tiwari, speaking as Secretary General of IYA, shared a profound thought:
“Yoga is what connects us to the world—it is not just personal practice, but a universal bond.”
He reaffirmed IYA’s role as a bridge—uniting schools, traditions, and seekers under one umbrella to preserve and promote authentic yogic knowledge across cultures.
Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, known for his clarity and compassion, brought the theme to life:
“‘One Earth, One Health’ is not just a slogan—it is a spiritual responsibility. Yoga is the bridge from the self to the Self, from body to the soul, from individual to the collective.”
He called upon everyone to live yoga beyond the mat—to become embodiments of seva (service), shanti (peace), and sadhana (practice).
Together, these voices formed the spiritual core of Yoga Connect, with the Indian Yoga Association standing tall as the collective conscience of this movement.
Ideas, Impact, and Integration
The day-long summit was not just ceremonial; it was also deeply intellectual and practical. Several key reports and publications were launched, including:
“Yoga Prabhava”, assessing the decade-long impact of International Day of Yoga (IDY)
“Surveykshan”, mapping yoga’s national influence
A Scientometric Analysis of Yoga’s Global Influence
“Bharatiya Vriksha Vaibhavam”, honoring India’s sacred trees
Yoga Samavesh, a powerful video showcasing the global unity fostered through yoga
The sessions covered themes such as Yoga for NCD prevention, Yoga and Women’s Health, Yoga Tech, Yoga in Commerce, and IDY Impact Assessments, bringing together thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and researchers to explore yoga’s evolution in modern life.
The concluding session brought yet another wave of insight, with Guruji Dr. H.R. Nagendra, SVYASA and Member of Governing Council of IYA, His Holiness Bhikku Sanghasena (Mahabodhi Centre), Shri Bharat Bhushan, Mokshayatan Yog Sansthan and Member of Governing Council of IYA, Swami Mukundananda, Yogacharya Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, Joint Secretary, IYA and other renowned gurus sharing their vision for the future of Yoga.
Yoga Connect: A Movement, Not Just a Moment
More than just a summit, Yoga Connect 2025 was a spiritual Sankalp (resolve) — a call to every citizen, practitioner, and institution to rise together in a united yogic mission. The Indian Yoga Association, through its presence, reaffirmed its commitment to unity, authenticity, and global outreach in the world of yoga.
As India and the world prepare to celebrate IDY 2025 on June 21, Yoga Connect served as a powerful reminder that Yoga is not merely about postures or poses—it is about presence, peace, and purpose. It is a collective journey of the soul, and the Indian Yoga Association remains at the heart of this sacred voyage.
Yoga for One Earth. One Health. One Humanity.
Yoga Connect 2025 lit the flame. Now, the world must carry it forward.
