NEW DELHI: Yoga has emerged as one of the most powerful tools of cultural outreach and global soft power in India, while also becoming a key pillar of preventive healthcare in the fight against lifestyle diseases, AYUSH Ministry Secretary Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha said.
Ahead of International Yoga Day on June 21, Kotecha told PTI in an exclusive interview that yoga is increasingly recognized not just as a traditional wellness practice, but as a scientifically backed public health intervention integrated into healthcare systems, educational institutions, workplaces and digital platforms across the world.
“Yoga has emerged as one of the most powerful tools of cultural communication and global soft power in India,” he said.
“Its acceptance in more than 190 countries reflects its global importance that transcends geography, language and culture. In the next decade, yoga is expected to play an even greater role in promoting preventive healthcare, mental health and holistic living globally,” he added.
Kotecha said that Indian diplomatic missions and international cooperation have helped enhance the role of yoga in strengthening people-to-people relationships and contributing to global well-being.
“India sees yoga not only as a cultural heritage, but also as a practical and holistic approach for healthier communities around the world,” he said.
Highlighting the growing burden of non-communicable diseases, stress-related diseases and mental health disorders, Kotecha said the ministry is working to transform healthcare from a treatment-based system to a prevention-focused model with yoga playing a central role.
“In response to the growing burden of lifestyle diseases, the ministry is repositioning healthcare from a treatment-based model to a prevention-focused approach, with yoga at its core,” the official said.
As part of this strategy, the Ministry introduced the “Comprehensive Yoga Protocol for Non-Communicable Diseases and Target Groups,” based on scientific evidence and clinical research.
Protocols include structured modules including asanas, pranayama, meditation and relaxation techniques tailored to specific health conditions and age groups.
He said the initiative follows a life cycle-based approach, with specialized yoga modules designed for children, teenagers, women, pregnant mothers and the elderly.
“We have developed targeted yoga modules for different stages of life to ensure yoga remains relevant across age groups, including elderly care and mental health,” the official said.
Stressing that the ministry wants yoga to develop into a sustainable public movement rather than remaining limited to an annual celebration, Kotecha said the government is promoting a “Yoga 365” approach to encourage daily practice.
“Through the ‘Yoga 365’ approach, we are promoting regular yoga practice in schools, colleges, workplaces, villages and community institutions,” he said.
Outreach is strengthened at the grassroots level through panchayats, health centres, youth organisations, NGOs and certified yoga volunteers. At the same time, digital platforms, awareness campaigns and community-led initiatives are helping to deepen engagement across age groups, Kotecha said.
“Our focus is not only on increasing participation numbers, but also on encouraging long-term behavioral change and preventive healthcare through daily yoga practice,” he added.
The ministry is also exploring digital platforms and AI-powered health tools to make yoga more accessible, personalized and data-driven in the coming years, the official said.
Regarding measuring the impact of yoga on public health more than a decade after the United Nations recognized International Yoga Day in 2014, he said the ministry tracks indicators such as participation levels, institutional adoption, research outputs, healthcare integration and health outcomes associated with lifestyle disorders and mental health.
He said research studies conducted by institutions, including the Central Council of Yoga and Physiotherapy, have shown positive results of yoga in stress reduction, diabetes management, cardiovascular health and overall well-being.
“Over the next five years, the ministry aims to deepen the integration of yoga into preventive healthcare, enhance scientific research, expand access to certified yoga professionals, and encourage sustainable daily practice through initiatives like Yoga 365,” Kotecha said.
With the rapid expansion of yoga institutes and instructors across the country and abroad, the minister said ensuring standardization and quality control remains a priority.
He said the Yoga Certification Council has developed structured certification systems for yoga instructors, coaches and therapists based on competency standards and evaluation protocols.
“The certification framework aims to maintain authenticity, integrity and professional quality in yoga training and practice,” he said, adding that the ministry is also working to promote standardization of curriculum, training of faculty and accreditation of yoga institutions.
Yoga has also become an important component of preventive healthcare under the Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centers initiative, Kotecha said.
According to him, many centers conduct regular yoga sessions, health activities and awareness campaigns focusing on lifestyle disorders, stress management and healthy living.
“This integration has increased awareness about preventive healthcare and encouraged greater community participation in health activities,” he said.
The minister highlighted the growing role of digital technology in expanding yoga awareness, especially after the Covid pandemic accelerated the adoption of online wellness.
Digital platforms like the Namaste Yoga app provide guided sessions, popular yoga protocols, educational videos and health resources that can be accessed from anywhere, he said.
“Digital communication has greatly improved accessibility, especially among young people, working professionals and international audiences,” Kotecha said.
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