Yoga, once a spiritual discipline rooted in Indian philosophy, has grown into a $100+ billion global wellness industry. Today, yoga transcends cultural boundaries, practiced by over 300 million people worldwide. Its holistic focus on mind-body balance has aligned it with modern-day needs for mental health, fitness, and mindfulness.
How Yoga Gained International Fame
The turning point came in 2014, when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). He called for recognizing yoga’s universal appeal, leading to an unprecedented 177 countries co-sponsoring a resolution to mark June 21 as the International Day of Yoga (IDY). It was the fastest and most widely supported UN resolution in history.
Since then:
- IDY is celebrated in 190+ countries.
- Events have taken place at the UN Headquarters, Eiffel Tower, Times Square, and the Arctic Circle.
- Yoga has entered school curricula, corporate wellness, and military training globally.
Key Initiatives by the Modi Government
The Modi administration has championed yoga as a pillar of India’s “Soft Power” diplomacy and public health strategy. Here are some major programs:
1. International Day of Yoga (IDY)
- Mega events held annually since 2015.
- In 2015, Modi led 35,985 participants in New Delhi, setting a Guinness World Record.
- 2023 saw a global celebration across 170+ countries.
2. Ministry of AYUSH
- Created in 2014 to promote Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy.
- Organizes IDY, yoga research, and awareness campaigns.
3. Yoga Certification Board
- Sets national standards for yoga trainers.
- Over 20,000 yoga instructors certified so far.
4. Fit India Movement
- Launched in 2019, integrates yoga into schools and workplaces.
5. Yoga in Education
- Over 26,000 schools offer yoga under the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) curriculum.
6. WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine
- Opened in Gujarat in 2022 with support from the World Health Organization—a major endorsement of yoga and traditional Indian medicine.
Government Investment in Yoga
- The Ministry of AYUSH received ₹3,000+ crore in funding since 2014.
- ₹900 crore allocated for yoga and naturopathy programs from 2019–2023.
- Multiple centers of excellence and yoga research institutes (e.g., Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga).
Impact and Reach
- The global yoga market was worth $107.1 billion in 2023, projected to exceed $200 billion by 2030.
- India is the spiritual hub, while countries like the US, UK, and Germany are top commercial markets.
