NEW DELHI – In a high-level push to scale India’s soft power and promote global wellness, the Ministry of Ayush convened a crucial Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) meeting on May 4, 2026, to deliberate on the roadmap for the 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026. Chaired by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, the meeting brought together senior officials from various Central Ministries, prominent Yoga Gurus, and institutional representatives to finalize a coordinated execution plan for the upcoming global event on June 21.
The “Yoga 365” Vision
A central theme of the 2026 planning is the “Yoga 365” initiative, which seeks to transition Yoga from a symbolic annual celebration into a sustained, daily lifestyle choice for every citizen. Minister Prataprao Jadhav emphasized that the vision for the 12th edition is to reach every village, educational institution, and workplace across the nation. To support this, the Ministry announced structured countdown campaigns of 100, 75, and 50 days, featuring free live Yoga sessions and a massive digital engagement strategy.
Coordinated National and Global Outreach
Adopting a “Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Society” approach, the Committee outlined strategies to integrate the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) into diverse sectors. Key highlights of the 2026 roadmap include:
- Youth & Education: Extensive outreach within schools and universities to engage the younger demographic through digital platforms and interactive Yoga festivals.
- Institutional Integration: Collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs for global outreach, and with the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health for integrating Yoga into the formal public health architecture.
- Rural Reach: Expanding accessibility to remote and underserved areas to ensure inclusivity across all socio-economic backgrounds.
Legacy of Success
During the deliberations, officials reviewed the impact of previous editions, noting that IDY has evolved from a government-led initiative into a “People’s Movement.” Building on the record-breaking participation of the 11th edition in 2025—which saw synchronized demonstrations across over 13 lakh locations—the 2026 event aims for an even larger scale. Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, noted that the decadal journey of IDY has firmly established India as a global leader in preventive healthcare.
Looking Ahead
The meeting concluded with a commitment to ensure the 2026 celebrations are marked by unprecedented visibility. The Ministry will leverage the “Yoga Sangam” digital portal to coordinate over one lakh simultaneous events globally. As the 50-day countdown gains momentum, the government intends to position the 12th International Day of Yoga as a transformative gift to the world, reinforcing themes of inclusivity, sustainability, and holistic well-being.
