On April 22, 2025, communities across India came together to mark World Earth Day in a uniquely meaningful way, as the Indian Yoga Association (IYA), in collaboration with its state chapters and the Ministry of Ayush, led a nationwide tree plantation drive under the “Harit Yoga” initiative. This heartfelt campaign blended the timeless wisdom of Yoga with an urgent call for environmental responsibility, reminding everyone that true wellness extends beyond the self and into the soil, air, and ecosystems that sustain life.
From the serene hills of Uttarakhand to the urban parks of Delhi and the schoolyards of Chhattisgarh, people of all ages joined hands to plant trees—not just as a symbolic gesture, but as an act of care and commitment toward the planet. The initiative, one of the ten signature events leading up to International Day of Yoga 2025, served as a powerful reminder that Yoga is more than a physical discipline; it is a philosophy that embraces harmony between individuals and nature.
The event held at Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY) in New Delhi was graced by Shri P.N. Ranjit Kumar from the Ministry of Ayush, who not only planted saplings himself but also urged everyone to adopt a lifestyle rooted in ecological awareness. His presence lent warmth and encouragement to an already spirited gathering.
Across the country, similar scenes unfolded. In Jaipur, a special Yoga session was accompanied by the distribution of Ayurvedic drinks and the formation of a human chain—a living symbol of unity and collective will. In Chhattisgarh’s Durg district, school children and volunteers planted medicinal plants and installed protective tree guards, ensuring their long-term growth and care. Whether in Maharashtra or Nagaland, Delhi or Tamil Nadu, each IYA state chapter made its mark, creating green footprints with sincerity and love.
Spiritual leaders and Yoga experts also lent their voices to the movement. Maa Dr. Hansaji Yogendra, President of the IYA, praised the Ministry of Ayush for envisioning Harit Yoga, emphasizing that sustainable living and Yoga are intrinsically linked. Swami Chidanand Saraswati, a member of the IYA governing council, spoke of Yoga as a path of harmony with nature, urging everyone to live with deeper awareness of their role in protecting the Earth. Others echoed this sentiment, quoting ancient Vedic texts and highlighting how poses like Vrikshasana can cultivate not only physical balance, but also reverence for life around us.
At the heart of the initiative was the theme “Yoga for One Earth, One World,” reinforcing the deep connection between personal well-being and the health of our shared home. The campaign did more than plant trees—it planted awareness, gratitude, and a renewed sense of responsibility.
In a world often overwhelmed by environmental challenges, this collective act across India offered a message of hope and healing. The Harit Yoga initiative reminded us that even small, mindful actions—when rooted in care and community—can blossom into a greener, more compassionate future.
