Yoga is a part of the Indian heritage and India has been the pioneer in introducing it to the world. Government of India officials have begun efforts to promote it nationally and internationally, making plans for a broad expansion of the wellness practice into all facets of civic life. India now has a Yoga Minister, and the government is leaving no stone unturned to help Yoga reach the masses.
Adoption of 21st June, as the International Day of Yoga
June 21st, the day of Summer Solstice, was declared as the International Day of Yoga on December 11 in 2015, by United Nations General Assembly after Indian Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi proposed it.
Some initiatives taken by the Government of India
- The Central Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy (CCRYN) an autonomous organization under Ministry of AYUSH, has opened 08 Yoga OPDs in Government hospitals of Delhi and Haryana.
- Financial assistance is extended to State Governments and other reputed NGOs for conducting National/ International seminars to promote Yoga.
- Yoga Training has been initiated for Police Personnel & the Defense Wing Staff.
- The Ministry deputes Yoga experts to participate in fairs/ workshops organized by the Ministry of Tourism abroad for Yoga demonstration and lectures.
- Yoga Education is made compulsory in schools, as a part of the curriculum.
- In his 2015 Budget, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had declared all Yoga related businesses as charitable activities exempt from tax.
Government of India goes visa-way to promote yoga
The Ministry of Home Affairs has decided to allow foreigners to visit India on a tourist or e-tourist visa for ‘attending a short-term yoga programme’.
‘Celebrating Yoga’ mobile app
A mobile app ‘Celebrating Yoga’, has been launched to popularize Yoga and encourage people to participate in it.
Inclusion of Yoga in National Health Policy 2017
In order to leverage a proper health care legacy, the National Health Policy 2017 recommended introduction of Yoga in school and at work places as part of promotion of good health.
Promote Tourism through Yoga
Actions are also being aligned to revive and promote yoga and Ayurveda amid millennials. This will then tell people on domestic and foreign shores what the real essence of India is and thus, give a strong push to tourism.
Readying a trained Yoga Army to meet global ‘demand’
The government of India aims at producing more Yoga professionals, who have to complete a comprehensive Certification course. The trainers are certified by a committee headed by Art of Living founder, Sri Sri Ravishankar. Yoga teachers have been deployed abroad, attached to Indian embassies at 19 missions and consulates, from Mexico to Kuala Lumpur and Moscow to Male. Yoga trainers applying for overseas jobs at Indian missions receive a few perks too – a two-year stint abroad with expenses of a one-bedroom accommodation borne by the government.
“Yoga is not an Indian (thing). If you want to call yoga Indian, then you must call gravity European. The very fact that the UN has declared it as International Yoga Day means India has gifted it (Yoga) to the world,” renowned spiritual leader Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev said.
The Indian government’s efforts for promoting the ancient discipline has brought Yoga additional international recognition.