As the countdown for the International Yoga Day (IDY) on June 21, 2025 begins, the Centre has scheduled a mega event at Vishakhapatnam, which will be led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
In an exclusive interview to The Pioneer, Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, revealed that the theme for this year—Yoga for One Earth, One Health—has been chosen by none other than PM Modi.
Jadhav further informed The Pioneer that this year’s Yoga Day activities will revolve around 10 unique signature events to mark the 11 th edition of the global event, including the Yoga Sangam, a synchronised Yoga demonstration at 1,00,000 locations, followed by Yoga Bandhan, which is a global exchange program and knowledge session.
The most significant approach, Jadhav said, is about the yoga parks for long-term community engagement. “I have developed several such yoga parks in my State, Maharashtra, including my constituency, Akola. Ever since I was given this assignment in the Council of Ministers, I immediately introduced Yoga as part of daily curriculum in the school run by my family, where I also try be part of the ancient practice of yoga, which now the world has recognised. My effort is that yoga should not be just be part a one-day event but should reflect in every walks of life, daily, each moment. Only then can we be happy and move towards the Viksit Bharat, envisioned by PM Modi,” said the four-time consecutive MP from Buldhana, Maharashtra.
Other programs the Ayush Ministry has scheduled, according to Jadhav are Yoga Samavesh, which is a special yoga programs for Divyangjan, senior citizens, children and marginalised groups; Yoga Prabhav—a decadal impact assessment on yoga’s role in public health; Yoga Connect, a global online yoga summit to bring together yoga experts, policymakers, and health specialists from around the world and provide a global platform for idea exchange on the evolving landscape of yoga and wellness.
Special features introduced this year by the Government are Harit Yoga, which is a sustainability-driven initiative combining Yoga with tree planting and clean-up drives.
Other events include Yoga Unplugged is an event to attract young people to Yoga; Yoga Maha Kumbh, which will be a week-long yoga festival to be held at 10 locations across the country; and Samyoga, a program designed for translation of yoga evidence into contemporary and modern medicines.
Jadhav also informed that he already inaugurated the 25-day countdown event to mark the IDY 2025 in Puducherry on May 27, 2025. The remarkable display of enthusiasm and participation in mass demonstration of Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) underscores the growing importance of yoga in fostering personal and societal betterment, added Jadhav, who also was also a former minister in Maharashtra and has served as an MLA thrice.
During the interview, Jadhav highlighted the transformative power of yoga and its relevance in promoting physical and mental well-being. “Yoga is not just an exercise; it is an ancient art of healthy living that interconnects mind and body. Those who adopt yoga feel peace, power, and clarity,” he said in his first interview on IDY 2025 to a national newspaper.
He further added that the global embrace of yoga is a testament to the tireless efforts of PM Modi, whose vision has propelled our heritage to the entire world. “This year’s theme perfectly encapsulates our collective aspiration for a healthier planet and a healthier humanity.
Yoga is an important need of the present and an integral part of our healthy future,” Jadhav added.
“Yoga is a very ancient science of our nation. It signifies the union of body and mind. It is a way of life that integrates mental fortitude and physical well-being. Our ancestors have preserved and passed it down to us over many thousands of years. Our Prime Minister has played a very significant role in taking yoga to the world stage. Due to his efforts, the United Nations declared June 21 as the International Day of Yoga. For this, all of us Indians must express our gratitude to him. Today, International Day of Yoga is celebrated worldwide. In many countries, yoga has been included in the educational curriculum. Yoga has been well-received in Government offices, private companies, and defence sectors,” Jadhav further said.
The Minister also briefed some key highlights of the event such as the significant rise in registrations on the Yoga Sangam Portal, launched on the 50-day countdown to IDY 2025 in Nashik.
He also thanked Andhra Pradesh chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu for committing himself for the success of IDY 2025 in his State. Jadhav also appreciated the efforts of his Council of Minister colleague Union Health Minister and BJP President JP Nadda and his party supremo Eknath Shinde for giving him the opportunity to be part of the heritage, culture aiming to establish India as Vishwa Guru.
Jadhav began his political journey in 1986 when he joined the Shiv Sena. In 1995, he won his first election to the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly from the Mehkar constituency. Jadhav entered national politics in 2009 as Lok Sabha MP from Buldhana constituency. He has retained the seat since then. After the split in the Shiv Sena, Jadhav chose to align with Eknath Shinde faction, which claims to keep intact the original ideology of the party.
Jadhav has focused on various developmental initiatives, including improving educational opportunities, especially for girls, and implementing economic welfare policies for farmers. He has also been actively involved in organising community events such as health and blood donation camps, yoga sessions, career guidance camps, and agricultural exhibitions.