Yoga day event at the United Nations. / X/@narendramodi

Yoga has become a global movement, transcending borders and uniting people in the pursuit of well-being and peace. At the heart of this transformation is Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose unwavering commitment has propelled yoga onto the world stage. Through initiatives like International Yoga Day and his continuous advocacy, Modi has ensured that this ancient Indian practice is embraced worldwide, not just as a form of exercise, but as a holistic approach to physical, mental, and spiritual health. His leadership has made India a beacon of wellness, spreading the message of yoga’s power to heal and unite humanity.

Modi’s emphasis on “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam"—the world as one family—reflects the philosophy that yoga embodies. This ancient practice fosters unity, compassion, and harmony, which are urgently needed in today’s fragmented world. Swami Vivekananda, a global icon of Indian philosophy, first introduced these ideals to the West over a century ago. Today, Prime Minister Modi is carrying forward this legacy, making yoga a vital tool for global peace and wellness.

One of the most significant milestones in Modi’s mission was the establishment of International Yoga Day in 2015. Observed annually on June 21, this day sees millions of people from all walks of life come together to practice yoga, transcending cultural and geographical boundaries. Last year alone, the Ministry of AYUSH set a goal to have 250 million Indians practice yoga on that day—a target that was not only met but exceeded. This achievement underscores the growing recognition of yoga’s benefits and the widespread acceptance of India’s leadership in promoting it.

However, Modi’s vision for yoga extends far beyond a single day of practice. He believes that yoga should be a daily routine, transforming individuals from ordinary human beings into exemplary citizens. Yoga, in his view, nurtures a love for humanity, fosters a spirit of brotherhood, and promotes the ideal of a world united in peace and harmony.

At S-VYASA (Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana) University, we share this vision. We are dedicated to translating these ideals into action by offering yoga programs in education, healthcare, and research. By producing high-quality research papers published in top international journals, we provide evidence-based foundations for the benefits of yoga. Our contributions to the global understanding of yoga have not gone unnoticed by Prime Minister Modi, who has been a steadfast supporter of promoting yoga in its holistic sense.

Our recent visit to Dallas marked a major step forward in expanding SVYASA’s global mission. Thanks to the efforts of individuals like Satish Gupta, Chat Ganesh, and Satyan, VYASA USA has gained significant momentum. During this visit, we signed an MOU with Parker University, a leading institution known for its excellence in chiropractic care. This partnership aims to bring Yoga Certificate, Diploma, Undergraduate, Postgraduate, and even Ph.D. programs to the USA, introducing a new dimension of education that integrates yoga’s holistic health approach with chiropractic treatment. This initiative is particularly important in addressing modern health challenges related to Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), and we believe that the combination of chiropractic care and yoga therapy will revolutionize healthcare in the USA.

Following the success in Dallas, our next focus is New York, where we aim to replicate the achievements seen with Parker University. Under the leadership of Prem Bhandari, a renowned humanitarian and global ambassador for Indian culture, we are collaborating with New York University to integrate yoga into both higher education and school programs. Our goal is to promote total personality development, not just physical fitness. In addition, we plan to introduce yoga therapy as a complementary treatment alongside allopathic medicine, providing a holistic approach to healthcare that has already proven successful in our collaboration with MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC) in Houston.

Yoga’s growing influence in healthcare is another testament to Modi’s vision. By promoting the integration of yoga into medical care, we are addressing key health challenges like NCDs, which account for a significant burden of disease worldwide. Our ongoing collaboration with institutions like MDACC has demonstrated the immense potential of yoga therapy in supporting treatments for cancer patients. We look forward to expanding such collaborations in New York and beyond, ensuring that yoga’s therapeutic benefits are accessible to all.

As we advance our mission, it is clear that Prime Minister Modi’s leadership has been pivotal in bringing yoga to the global stage. His tireless efforts have positioned India as the leader in promoting wellness and peace through this ancient practice. Yoga is no longer seen as just an Indian tradition but as a global phenomenon that has the potential to unite humanity. Under Modi’s guidance, yoga has become a symbol of India’s soft power, a tool for diplomacy, and a means of fostering global harmony.

The expansion of SVYASA’s programs in the USA is a reflection of this broader vision. We are confident that our collaboration with institutions like Parker University and New York University will not only promote yoga in education and healthcare but also deepen the cultural ties between India and the USA. This partnership embodies the spirit of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam," strengthening the bonds between nations while promoting the health and well-being of people across the world.

In conclusion, yoga’s global rise is a testament to the power of ancient wisdom in addressing modern challenges. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, this ancient practice has become a bridge that connects people across the world, fostering unity, peace, and well-being. As we continue to expand our mission at SVYASA, we are committed to supporting this global movement, confident that with collective efforts, the vision of a healthier and more peaceful world is closer to reality than ever before.

The author is Chancellor, S-VYASA University, Bengaluru, India

(The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of  New India Abroad.)