Yoga: India’s Gift to the World
Yoga, a precious part of India’s ancient traditions, is more than just a physical practice; it’s a holistic way to improve our health and well-being. In today’s fast-paced world, yoga promotes inner peace and balance, making it increasingly important for many people.
The theme for this year’s International Day of Yoga is "Yoga for One Earth One Health." This idea calls for unity across different cultures, countries, and professions, promoting wellness for everyone.
Thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, yoga has gained international recognition. During his speech at the United Nations General Assembly on September 27, 2014, he proposed that June 21 should be celebrated as International Yoga Day. Just a few months later, this idea was approved by 193 countries, highlighting yoga’s benefits for global health.
Now, ten years later, UNGA president Dennis Francis referred to yoga as "a powerful metaphor for the United Nations." This shows how yoga can help tackle modern health challenges.
The growing participation in yoga globally is truly impressive. Recently, over 245 million people practiced yoga worldwide. There were also millions of interactions on social media, and many communities engaged in yoga activities. Additionally, 177 countries supported India’s initiative, and Indian embassies reached around 545,000 people.
The Rise of the Yoga Economy
Yoga is supporting not just physical and mental health, but also contributing to the economy. Over the last decade, yoga has become a big part of many lives, leading to new job opportunities in sectors like yoga tourism and related products.
As of 2023, more than 300 million people are practicing yoga, and this number is expected to grow. This increase creates a demand for skilled professionals, which the government is actively working to meet.
The global yoga market, which includes classes, products, and retreats, is now valued at over $88 billion. Government initiatives to promote AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) education are helping to build a skilled workforce to meet this demand. The AYUSH sector is expected to create around 3 million job opportunities soon.
India has more than 755,000 registered AYUSH practitioners, showcasing the country’s commitment to traditional healthcare methods. The Skill India Mission has trained over 130,000 yoga instructors and trainers, and the Yoga Certification Board has certified various institutions for yoga training.
Growth of AYUSH
With government support, the AYUSH market has expanded from $2.85 billion in 2014 to an impressive $43.4 billion in 2023. Exports have also nearly doubled over the same period.
The entrepreneurial spirit in the AYUSH sector is thriving. The number of small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in this field rose from 38,216 in August 2021 to 53,023 in January 2023. The number of recognized startups in AYUSH has also increased, with many emerging from tier 2 and tier 3 cities, creating thousands of jobs.
Future Prospects
The future of yoga and AYUSH looks bright as they can be promoted as career options for young people. Indian universities might offer professional degrees or certifications that prepare individuals for these fields.
There’s also a call to integrate yoga into school curricula to encourage healthy lifestyles from a young age. With Indian doctors being well-regarded globally, it would be beneficial for them to promote yoga as part of their practice.
International Yoga Day has evolved into a significant public health movement, with millions around the world incorporating yoga into their lives. As time goes on, yoga continues to expand its reach and impact globally.
(The writer is a member of the Rajya Sabha. The views expressed are personal.)
