One Earth, One Health: How Yoga’s Biggest Day Is Changing the World in 2025

Image Source: CK Birla Hospitals

Why June 21 was Declared International Yoga Day

June 21 was chosen as International Yoga Day because it is the summer solstice—the longest day in the Northern Hemisphere. It represents light, energy, and balance, values that are central to the philosophy of yoga. Solstice is also a natural reminder of rebirth and balance, which is perfectly in harmony with the purpose of yoga to integrate mind, body, and soul. The date also allows for a globally consistent celebration, which makes it an easily recognizable and inclusive celebration for all countries.

It was initially suggested by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 2014 United Nations General Assembly, highlighting the practice of yoga as "an invaluable gift from our ancient tradition" and a comprehensive method to health and wellness. The UN formally designated June 21 as International Day of Yoga in 2014, and the first international observance occurred on June 21, 2015.

Theme for 2025: "Yoga for One Earth, One Health"

This year's theme, "Yoga for One Earth, One Health," captures the interdependence of personal well-being and planetary health. Announced by PM Modi during his Mann Ki Baat address, the theme calls upon individuals and societies to identify yoga as a common force between self-preservation and ecological responsibility. It underscores yoga's role in sustaining physical vitality, mental serenity, and ecological awareness, especially in a climate-challenged, pandemic-stricken, and lifestyle-disorder-affected world.

History and Importance

Origins: Yoga is a very old Indian practice which encourages wholeness of being, practiced globally for millennia.

Global Recognition: The UN resolution of 2014, which was adopted by 177 member states, made yoga a global cause of health and harmony from an individualistic practice.

First Celebration: International Yoga Day in 2015 set two Guinness World Records in New Delhi: largest yoga session (35,985 people) and most nationalities in a single session (84).

Since then, International Yoga Day has become global with events at such iconic sites as Rajpath in New Delhi, the UN headquarters in New York, and public places all over the world. The theme of every year is a celebration of yoga's evolving significance to global health, peace, and harmony.

2025: Real-time Highlights and What's New Yoga Sangam 2025: Over 4 lakh people have enrolled for the mass yoga demonstration flagship event of the year, with the flagship event in Visakhapatnam being led by PM Modi, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, and Union AYUSH Minister Prataprao Jadhav. The event will be telecast live and will shatter all attendance records.

10 Signature Events: Along with Yoga Sangam, other signature events are Yoga Bandhan (community events), Harit Yoga (green-space yoga or eco-yoga), Yoga Samavesh (special needs-friendly yoga), and Yoga Mahakumbh (world yoga masters' conclave). Events include tree-planting drives, digital detox sessions, and fusion activities with music and art.

Global Reach: Development plans for cities worldwide, from webinars to eco-yoga camps in Tokyo to Leh, bear witness to the worldwide reach of yoga and India's leadership in wellness diplomacy.

Government Schemes: The Ministry of AYUSH has started a special newsletter to update the masses and promote extensive participation, mirroring the inclusive essence of the theme of this year.

Key Takeaways

June 21, the summer solstice, was chosen due to its universality of symbolism of balance and rebirth, a symbol of yoga's core teachings.

The 2025 theme, "Yoga for One Earth, One Health," highlights the interconnectedness of individual and world health.

Today is the 11th anniversary of International Yoga Day, with unprecedented participation at Yoga Sangam and a chain of signature events commemorating health, inclusivity and sustainability.

Sources: Times of India, Business Standard, India Today