Pallavi Sharma
On June 21, as the sun rises over every village and valley, something extraordinary begins. A breath, a stretch, a quiet stillness — it’s International Yoga Day. The nation awakens not to alarms, but to asanas.
This year’s theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”, reminds us that our personal wellness is deeply tied to the planet’s health. Yoga isn’t just postures and pranayama. It’s a philosophy, a lifestyle, a silent revolution of self-awareness. Across 1 lakh locations in India, including Dharamshala’s serene hills and Visakhapatnam’s coastal dawn, thousands will greet the sun in unity. From schoolyards to city squares, the mat becomes a symbol — of resilience, balance and hope.
Yoga Sangam, Yoga Samavesh—these aren’t just events. They’re movements toward inclusivity, healing and shared humanity. Senior citizens, pregnant women, frontline workers—all are included. All are embraced by the ancient rhythm of breath and movement. Yoga Sangam brings together thousands of teachers, practitioners, and newcomers. It’s not just a celebration—it’s a quiet call for global wellness
Tadasana teaches us to stand tall. Vrikshasana reminds us to stay rooted. Each asana is a metaphor for life.
When we breathe in awareness, we breathe out compassion—for ourselves, for others, and for Earth. In a world that rushes, yoga whispers: pause. Listen. Begin again.
Experts say yoga can reduce anxiety, improve immunity, and sharpen focus. But today, it’s more than health metrics. It is a shared breath across caste, class, region, and religion. Special sessions are held for marginalized groups under Yoga Samavesh. Tribal leaders guide indigenous yoga rituals in Madhya Pradesh. Pregnant women in Gujarat try prenatal yoga, led by midwives. In Maharashtra, soldiers stretch alongside schoolchildren. A 92-year-old in Chennai performs Surya Namaskar without faltering.
On Instagram, #YogaForEarth trends with serene snapshots from remote villages. On the ground, there’s calm, silence—something profoundly rare. Organizers highlight how yoga can be a tool for climate resilience. “Healthy people build healthier ecosystems,” says AYUSH ministry official. Sessions also include talks on air pollution, water conservation, and sustainable lifestyles. Asanas are paired with actionable pledges—planting trees, reducing waste, supporting local farmers. In Assam, after yoga, volunteers clean a riverbank. In Rajasthan, young girls distribute neem saplings.
The message is clear: The body is not separate from the Earth. Every movement echoes a deeper truth: we are what we inhabit. UN officials call it “India’s soft power at its most healing.”
And as India continues to lead this global movement, the message lingers—on every mat, in every breath: One Earth. One Health. One Humanity.
