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“Yoga comes from India and it is a very old tradition. Yoga is free from copyrights, patents and royalty payments. Yoga is adaptable to your age, gender and fitness level. Yoga is portable and is truly universal,” said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 21st June 2023 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York during the 9th International Day of Yoga. This statement encapsulates the essence and universality of Yoga, an ancient Indian system for physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

Historical Background of Yoga

Yoga, as explained by Sage Patanjali in his Yoga Sutras, is an eight-fold system comprising Yama (moral conduct), Niyama (right observances), Asana (right postures), Pranayama (control of prana), Pratyahara (withdrawal of senses), Dharana (one-pointed concentration), Dhyana (meditation), and Samadhi (union with the superconscious or God). This ancient practice transcends nationality, race, and religion, offering benefits for all mankind.

Global Popularity of Yoga and Indian Yoga Gurus

The global dissemination of Yoga can be attributed to Indian Yoga gurus and spiritual masters who introduced Yogic teachings and practices worldwide, especially in the United States and Europe. Swami Vivekananda played a pivotal role in presenting Indian spiritual principles at the World Parliament of Religions in 1893. His success paved the way for other Yoga gurus like Paramahansa Yogananda, who is known as the ‘Father of Yoga in the West’. Yogananda’s book, "Autobiography of a Yogi," introduced Indian spirituality and Yoga-meditation to a global audience.

The 1960s saw a boom in Yoga’s popularity in the Western world, partly due to the US Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, which facilitated the arrival of Yoga gurus like Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, B.K.S. Iyengar, and others. Today, Yoga is practiced worldwide, including in many Islamic countries, acknowledged for its holistic benefits and presented as a scientific, universal, and non-proselytizing practice.

Yoga in the Holistic Health Discourse

By the end of the 20th century, the global concept of healthcare evolved, embracing holistic health that integrates physical, mental, and social well-being. According to the World Health Organization, health is more than the absence of disease. Yoga has become integral to this holistic health movement, especially in advanced countries like the United States. Research-based evidence increasingly supports Yoga’s benefits, leading to its inclusion in complementary health practices with growing popularity, as shown by the US National Health Interview Surveys.

Proposing an International Day of Yoga: A Diplomatic Initiative

In 2014, one of the first diplomatic initiatives by the Modi government was promoting Yoga at the 69th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. India introduced a resolution to establish the International Day of Yoga on June 21. The resolution, co-sponsored by 177 countries, was passed without a vote. This success boosted India’s image as a key global player and highlighted Indian thoughts as solutions to global concerns.

Recognition by UNESCO

In 2016, UNESCO identified Yoga as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. Yoga contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals, including Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3), Quality Education (SDG 4), Gender Equality (SDG 5), Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), and Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (SDG 16).

National Initiatives for Yoga Promotion

The Modi government has undertaken numerous national initiatives to promote Yoga. In 2014, the Ministry of AYUSH was established to oversee traditional and complementary medicine systems, with an increasing annual budget that reached ₹3,647.50 crore (US$440 million) for FY 2023-24. The National Health Policy 2017 recommended integrating Yoga into schools and workplaces to promote good health. The Yoga Certification Board ensures standardization in Yoga training, and Yoga OPDs have been opened in government hospitals. Indigenous sports like Mallakhamb and Yogasana were included in the National Games 2022 to further promote Yoga.

Global Outreach and Yoga Tourism

India has implemented various initiatives to promote Yoga internationally. The e-Tourist Visa scheme allows foreigners to visit India for short-term Yoga programs. The Medical Value Travel (MVT) portal offers end-to-end online services for wellness and traditional medicine. India’s MVT market is projected to grow significantly, with initiatives like "Heal by India" and "Heal in India" promoting Ayurveda and Yoga globally. Prime Minister Modi has predicted a "new yoga economy," with places like Rishikesh and Kerala attracting Yoga tourists.

Digital Promotion of Yoga

The Indian government has leveraged technology to promote Yoga. The 'Celebrating Yoga' app, launched in 2017, made Yoga information accessible to the masses. The "Namaste Yoga" app, launched in 2021, offers comprehensive information on Yoga events, classes, and physical activity tracking. Certified Yoga teachers have been deployed at Indian missions abroad to promote Yoga.

Yoga in India’s G20 Presidency

During its G20 presidency in 2023, India showcased Yoga’s efficacy in enhancing global healthcare. Large-scale Yoga demonstrations and workshops were organized, and Yoga studios were set up at the G20 summit venue. At the Science-20 Summit, experts deliberated on topics like Clean Energy and Universal Holistic Health, projecting India’s cultural and Yogic traditions.

Moving Ahead with Yoga

Yoga, as India’s cultural heritage, has emerged as a significant tool in diplomacy. The global Yoga market is expected to grow substantially, with India becoming a popular health tourism destination. However, India must lead the holistic health narrative by integrating evidence-based Yoga practices to reduce disease rates affordably. Research in Yoga-meditation’s impact on mental health should be emphasized, and Yoga tourism should be linked with India’s Neighbourhood and Act East policies.

Yoga: India’s Soft Power or a Global Benefactor?

Yoga has quietly served as a cultural ambassador for India. The recognition of Yoga’s potential and its promotion as a foreign policy priority under Prime Minister Modi has made it a unique soft power tool. Yoga’s universality and benefits align with Indian civilizational ideas like Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is a family) and Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah (may all be happy). In times of geopolitical turmoil, India’s emphasis on dialogue and diplomacy complements its image as a peace-seeking nation. The East’s civilizational wisdom, including Indian practices, may offer sustainable peace to the world.

Conclusion

Yoga, India’s gift to the world, has gained global recognition and acceptance. The millions of Yoga practitioners worldwide pay homage to India, highlighting Yoga’s intrinsic value. As the world grapples with various challenges, Yoga’s promotion of holistic health and well-being continues to enhance India’s diplomatic and cultural influence globally.

Source- VIF