Govt Conducts High-Level Workshop Ahead of IDY 2025
As the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) approaches, the Government of India is preparing for one of its biggest celebrations yet.
On June 5, 2025, the Ministry of Ayush, in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, conducted a virtual workshop with more than 400 participants from various government ministries and departments.
This workshop aimed to equip officials with the tools, strategies, and coordination needed to meet the rising public demand for real-time, authentic updates about IDY 2025.
A Decade of Yoga on the Global Stage
This year’s IDY holds special importance.
It marks 10 years since the United Nations recognised June 21 as the International Day of Yoga in 2014. Since then, yoga has grown into a global movement promoting health, harmony, and unity.
The 2025 theme is “Yoga for One Earth, One Health.”
Key Officials Present at the Workshop
The session was chaired by Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush.
Other senior officials included:
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Shri C. Senthil Rajan, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
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Ms. Monalisa Dash, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush
They led the discussion and highlighted the importance of media collaboration and outreach planning.
Government’s Unified Approach
Secretary Vaidya Kotecha stressed the whole-of-government approach in his opening remarks.
He said,
“The International Day of Yoga is no longer just a date on the calendar. It is a national movement for wellbeing and harmony.”
He added that yoga plays a vital role in public health and cultural diplomacy, making India a global leader in preventive healthcare and wellness.
Focus on Storytelling & Citizen Engagement
Shri C. Senthil Rajan highlighted the power of:
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Cross-platform media convergence
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Citizen storytelling
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Strong visual content
He said these elements can create greater awareness and encourage participation across the country.
Ms. Monalisa Dash focused on the need for coordinated planning and creative messaging to ensure every citizen feels connected to the event.
Ensuring Outreach at All Levels
The workshop also reviewed inter-ministerial efforts and brainstormed ways to make the campaign more effective.
Key goals include:
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Reaching tribal areas
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Covering rural belts and urban communities
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Connecting with marginalised populations
This will be done through both digital tools and on-ground activities.
Countdown to June 21
With just a few weeks left until June 21, the government is ramping up efforts to ensure maximum public participation.
From schools and villages to corporates and embassies, the idea is to make yoga a part of every Indian’s daily routine on that day.
This year’s IDY aims to be inclusive, inspirational, and impactful—celebrating yoga not just as a practice, but as India’s gift to the world.
