New Delhi, Mar 13 (PTI) Union Ayush Minister Prataprao Jadhav on Friday said the International Day of Yoga (IDY) has evolved into a global celebration of wellness under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the past 11 years.
Inaugurating Yoga Mahotsav-2026 in the national capital, marking the 100-day countdown to the 12th edition of the IDY 2026, Jadhav said, “Yoga is not merely a lifestyle practice but a powerful discipline that promotes mental clarity, physical health and emotional balance. Its benefits helped millions maintain resilience and well-being even during challenging times such as the pandemic.” On the occasion, the minister launched “10 Yoga Protocols for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and Target Groups”, designed for individuals across different age groups and health conditions.
The Ministry of Ayush, the nodal ministry for IDY, has successfully organised eleven editions of the event with steadily growing global participation. Yoga Mahotsav-2026 formally marks the beginning of the 100-day journey towards the 12th IDY, aiming to promote the diverse dimensions of Yoga and inspire a global movement for health, well-being and peace.
Launching the 10 Yoga protocols for NCDs and target groups, the minister said that these protocols are designed for people across different age groups and life stages, enabling them to take greater responsibility for their health, enhance physical and mental resilience, and improve overall quality of life.
Referring to the recently held Post-Budget Webinar, the Minister recalled that the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, had emphasised India’s vision of preventive and holistic healthcare, noting that Yoga and Ayurveda are essential pillars of this approach.
The minister also launched the “Yoga for Air Travel” protocol, a specially designed five-minute routine of seated yogic practices, breathing exercises and brief meditation. Developed by experts, the protocol aims to reduce travel-related stress, improve circulation, ease muscular discomfort and promote mental calmness during air journeys.
As part of the 100-Day Countdown to IDY 2026, the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY) exchanged an MoU with Habuild under the Yoga 365 campaign to offer free daily online Yoga sessions.
Highlighting the initiative, Jadhav said, “Yoga 365 aims to help individuals adopt Yoga as a daily habit, encouraging consistent practice and deeper engagement in the run-up to the International Day of Yoga 2026.” During the programme, Saurabh Bothra shared a toll-free number 1800-315-7008 with participants to facilitate online registration for the Yoga 365 campaign.
Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, highlighted several digital initiatives to expand access to Yoga. He informed that the Ministry, through the Ayush Grid, has developed an AI-based tool to guide Yoga practitioners in correcting their postures while performing Yogasanas.
The secretary further noted that Yoga continues to gain immense global popularity, and that the participation of more than 26 crore people in IDY 2025 reflects the movement’s growing momentum. He also added that to make Yoga more accessible, courses such as the Advanced Y-Break have been made available on the Karmayogi Bharat, where more than 10 lakh participants have already enrolled.
The one-day Yoga Mahotsav-2026 featured three thematic technical sessions — Yoga for the Geriatric Population, Business Module for Yoga Entrepreneurship and Yoga and Artificial Intelligence.
These sessions brought together eminent experts from the fields of Yoga, medicine and scientific research, serving as an important knowledge-sharing platform and reinforcing the scientific and therapeutic potential of Yoga.
Approximately 1,500 participants, including Yoga masters, scholars, policymakers, bureaucrats, corporate professionals, Yoga practitioners and experts from allied sciences, attended Yoga Mahotsav-2026.
The Yoga Mahotsav-2026 sets the stage for a renewed global movement towards holistic health and well-being. From Kartavya Path to the United Nations, the IDY has strengthened India’s leadership in promoting global health and wellness.
As the countdown to IDY 2026 begins, the Ministry of Ayush reaffirmed its commitment to spreading the message of Yoga worldwide and inspiring millions to adopt this timeless practice for a healthier and happier life. PTI PLB KSS KSS
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