In the run-up to International Day of Yoga (IDY), the Indian Embassy in Washington, DC, held a vibrant Yoga session at the historic Lincoln Memorial on Thursday. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from both the Indian diaspora and local residents, symbolizing the global resonance of Yoga as a gift from India to the world.
India’s Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, addressed the gathering, stating, “We are all here to celebrate the 11th International Day of Yoga. It is a joyful celebration of India’s ancient civilisational heritage. A large number of Indian families and members of the diaspora, along with American citizens, have joined us. It’s a wonderful experience for all of us.”
Yoga instructor Acharya Govind Brahmachari, who led the session, emphasized the deeper spiritual dimension of Yoga beyond physical exercise. “Yoga is already popular worldwide, but we aim to spread awareness of its original purpose — to attain inner freedom and oneness with the universe. Asanas are just one part of a holistic practice that supports mental peace and emotional balance,” he explained.
Participants echoed the benefits of Yoga in daily life. Dr. Smita Patel, a physician and attendee, praised the global initiative started by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “Yoga is as essential as breathing or medicine. It helps with anxiety, depression, and even children’s focus and attention span. The theme ‘One Earth, One Health’ truly captures the spirit of Yoga’s healing power,” she said.
Acharya Madhuvartanand Avdhut of Ananda Marga also spoke at the event, sharing insights into Yoga’s origins and significance. “Lord Shiva was the first yogi, and Yoga has existed for over 7000 years. It is a threefold path — Yog Asana, Yog Darshan, and Yog Sadhana — that promotes peace, unity, and holistic living,” he said.
The event demonstrated the universal appeal of Yoga as a tool for physical well-being, mental clarity, and global harmony.
Back in India, Prime Minister Modi will lead the national IDY celebrations on June 21 from Visakhapatnam, participating in a mass Yoga session with nearly 5 lakh people at the city’s beachfront. Across India, over 3.5 lakh Yoga Sangam events are planned, making this one of the largest synchronized Yoga celebrations globally.
Digital initiatives like ‘Yoga with Family’ and youth-focused campaigns under ‘Yoga Unplugged’ on MyGov and MyBharat platforms are also underway to boost participation and awareness.
This year’s theme — “Yoga for One Earth, One Health” — reflects the interconnectedness of personal well-being and planetary health, rooted in India’s age-old philosophy of “Sarve Santu Niramaya” (May all be free from disease).
Since the UN General Assembly adopted India’s proposal in 2014 to observe June 21 as International Day of Yoga, the initiative has grown into a global movement, with celebrations previously led by PM Modi from locations including New Delhi, Mysuru, Chandigarh, Srinagar, and New York’s UN Headquarters.