Yoga: India’s Global Gift and Soft Power in Promoting Holistic Health and Peace

Yoga, an ancient Indian tradition, continues to gain global recognition for its holistic approach to physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted this during his speech on June 21, 2023, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, on the occasion of the 9th International Day of Yoga. Modi emphasized that Yoga, which transcends nationality, race, and religion, is adaptable to all ages and fitness levels, making it universally accessible and free from copyrights, patents, and royalties.

Yoga: A Universal Path to Wellness

Yoga is an ancient system of physical and mental practices outlined by Sage Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras. It consists of eight key components: Yama (moral conduct), Niyama (right observances), Asana (postures), Pranayama (control of life force), Pratyahara (withdrawal of senses), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation), and Samadhi (union with the divine or highest stage). This holistic approach has proven beneficial not only in India but also across the globe, making Yoga an important practice for individuals seeking overall well-being.

Global Popularity of Yoga and Indian Gurus’ Role

The global spread of Yoga can largely be credited to Indian spiritual leaders and Yoga gurus who traveled worldwide, particularly to the United States and Europe, to propagate Yogic practices. Swami Vivekananda’s impactful speech at the World Parliament of Religions in 1893 introduced the world to Indian spirituality, paving the way for subsequent Yoga teachers like Paramahansa Yogananda, who is regarded as the ‘Father of Yoga in the West.’ His book Autobiography of a Yogi remains a global introduction to Indian spirituality.

In the 1960s, the demand for Yoga and meditation soared in the Western world, spurred by policy changes in the U.S. The subsequent rise in popularity of figures such as Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, B.K.S. Iyengar, and Baba Ramdev led to millions of followers adopting Yoga practices worldwide.

Yoga’s Role in the Holistic Health Discourse

By the end of the 20th century, the concept of holistic health gained momentum, challenging the limitations of modern medicine in treating chronic illnesses. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being.” With this shift in perspective, Yoga has been recognized as a crucial element in maintaining overall health. Research studies continue to show that Yoga and meditation are effective in improving mental and physical health, leading to their increasing popularity, especially in Western nations.

India’s Global Push for Yoga: The Modi Government’s Diplomacy

One of the Modi government’s key diplomatic initiatives was promoting Yoga globally. In December 2014, India introduced a resolution at the United Nations General Assembly to establish an International Day of Yoga. This resolution, co-sponsored by 177 countries, was passed without the need for a vote. The successful creation of the International Day of Yoga helped elevate India’s global status and project Indian wisdom as a solution to modern global challenges.

In 2016, Yoga was recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, highlighting its contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Good Health, Gender Equality, and Peace.

Government Initiatives for Promoting Yoga

Over the last decade, the Indian government, under the leadership of PM Modi, has prioritized the promotion of Yoga both nationally and internationally. The establishment of the Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) in 2014 has been central to this effort. The Ministry’s budget has steadily increased, and Yoga is now integrated into national health policies, with Yoga classes and training extended to schools, workplaces, police personnel, and the military.

At the global level, India has made Yoga a key part of its foreign policy, facilitating Yoga tourism and expanding awareness abroad. Through initiatives like the “Heal in India” program and the e-Tourist visa, India is positioning itself as a hub for Yoga enthusiasts from around the world.

Yoga in the G20: India’s Leadership on the Global Stage

During its G20 presidency in 2023, India successfully highlighted Yoga as a tool for promoting global health and sustainable development. Large-scale yoga demonstrations and workshops were organized at the G20 summit, showcasing the practice’s universal benefits. Experts and policymakers from around the world participated in discussions on Clean Energy, Holistic Health, and linking science to culture, further solidifying Yoga’s role in the global health discourse.

The Global Yoga Economy and India’s Role

Yoga is not only a cultural export but also a booming industry. The global Yoga market is expected to be worth $107.1 billion by 2023 and is projected to grow at a 9.4% annual rate until 2030. India, as the birthplace of Yoga, is uniquely positioned to benefit from this growth. The country is emerging as a popular destination for Yoga tourism, attracting international visitors to places like Rishikesh, Kerala, and Varanasi. As the Yoga economy expands, India is set to see a surge in wellness-based jobs and revenue from health tourism.

Looking Ahead: A Holistic Approach to Global Health

While Yoga’s global popularity grows, it is essential to ensure that its ancient wisdom is not commodified. The key to its long-term impact lies in preserving its core principles and promoting deeper research into its benefits, particularly for mental health.

India’s role as a global ambassador for Yoga is poised to expand further as the practice continues to offer solutions to modern health challenges. Yoga is not just a practice; it is a path toward universal peace and well-being. As global tensions rise, India’s Yoga diplomacy has the potential to foster dialogue, promote peace, and help address health challenges worldwide.

In the modern world, where conflict resolution and global cooperation often seem elusive, India’s ancient practice of Yoga stands as a timeless symbol of peace, unity, and holistic well-being.

Image Credit : Collected