The Yoga Institute Leads International Yoga Day with 1 Lakh Participants

The Yoga Institute (TYI), Santacruz, Mumbai — the world’s oldest organized yoga center — marked the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) with immense enthusiasm and widespread national and international participation. More than 100,000 individuals across over 500 locations worldwide took part in TYI-led events, making it one of the largest and most impactful IDY celebrations by a single yoga institute in India. From government institutions and educational campuses to defense establishments, corporate offices, malls, temples, airports, and embassies — TYI’s far-reaching presence powerfully embodied this year’s theme: “Yoga for One Earth, One Health.”

Dr. Hansaji Yogendra, Director of The Yoga Institute and President of the Indian Yoga Association, graced ‘Yoga Connect’, the Global Yoga Summit hosted by the Ministry of Ayush and the Central Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy (CCRYN). Alongside other eminent spiritual leaders, Dr. Hansaji played a pivotal role in shaping this year’s global vision for International Day of Yoga. A guiding force in the evolution of Yoga education, research, and community wellness, she continues to steer Yoga’s relevance in a rapidly changing world.

A significant highlight of the day was The Yoga Institute’s special session at Maharashtra Mantralaya, bringing Yoga to the heart of governance. The event was graced by esteemed dignitaries including Shri Mangalprabhat Lodha (Minister, Skill Development), Dr. Pankaj Bhoyar (State Minister, Home & Rural), and Chief Secretary Smt. Sujata Saunik, and many other senior bureaucrats and officers. Shri Hrishi J. Yogendra, Assistant Director & Secretary of The Yoga Institute, attended the session and represented the Institute's ongoing commitment to integrating Yoga into all spheres of public life. With enthusiastic participation from government officials and staff, the session fostered a spirit of unity, mindfulness, and well-being — reinforcing the timeless relevance of Yoga in daily life and public service.

Another iconic highlight of the day took place at Marine Drive, Mumbai, during Yoga by the Bay, organized by The Yoga Institute in collaboration with The Times of India. This powerful sunrise session brought together Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra Shri Eknath Shinde, Member of Parliament Shri Shrikant Shinde, over 3,000 NCC cadets, Coast Guard personnel, and thousands of enthusiastic Mumbaikars. The event offered a stunning display of unity, community spirit, and calmness by the sea.

At Whistling Woods International, a special yoga session was organized by filmmaker Subhash Ghai and featured him alongside actor Jackie Shroff, artist Sai Godbole, and other creative leaders who explored yoga as a tool for enhancing artistic focus and personal expression. The session was graced by Dr. Hansaji Yogendra and Shri Hrishi J. Yogendra as Chief Guests, adding depth and inspiration to the gathering.

Exclusive sessions were also held at multiple diplomatic missions, including the U.S.–India Consulate, where yoga served as a bridge for cultural exchange and holistic well-being. Officials and staff at the consulate participated in a contemplative morning session, honoring yoga as one of India’s most profound gifts to global peace and health.

At Mumbai Airport’s domestic (T1) and international (T2) terminals, TYI conducted rejuvenating yoga sessions for staff and travelers — providing moments of restoration amid the bustle of daily operations. A targeted session was also held at the Mumbai Traffic Police Headquarters in Worli, equipping officers with effective tools to manage physical strain and mental stress in their high-pressure roles.

TYI’s deep commitment to national service was reflected in its outreach to the armed forces. In Mumbai, a focused session was organized for Force One,

Maharashtra’s elite counter-terrorism unit. In Goa, over 200 officers at INS Hansa and another 200 personnel at the 6TTR Army Camp participated in guided yoga sessions to enhance focus, stamina, and emotional regulation. Simultaneous programs for the Indian Navy and Coast Guard were conducted in Chennai and Goa, reinforcing the role of yoga in supporting readiness, resilience, and overall vitality.

The education sector saw extensive engagement, with sessions across over 350 schools and 25 colleges, including AVM, Holy Cross High School (Goa), several BMC Schools, Mithibai College, Wilson College, SNDT, and St. Xavier’s College (Goa). Coordinated by TYI centers in Mumbai, Delhi, Raipur, and Goa, these events introduced thousands of students, teachers, and academic professionals to the life-enhancing benefits of yoga for concentration, discipline, and emotional balance.

Public engagement continued through a community yoga session at HyperCity Mall, Thane, conducted by The Yoga Institute in association with the Pudhari Group. The event offered an accessible and vibrant urban setting, attracting many yoga enthusiasts. At the newly inaugurated ISKCON Temple in Navi Mumbai, TYI facilitated a spiritually enriching session that blended yogic practices with aarti and prasadam, deepening the experience for both devotees and visitors alike.

The corporate sector actively participated, with over 100 wellness sessions conducted for leading organizations such as ONGC, HPCL, Glenmark, Emcure Pharmaceuticals, IndusInd Bank, Atidan Technologies, Jasani Jewellers, Prism Cement, and Nanavati Hospital. A rejuvenation retreat at TYI’s Alibaug campus was curated for Sunil Chemicals, offering professionals a chance to reconnect with themselves amidst nature’s tranquility.

To broaden access and inclusivity, TYI hosted three free public health camps focused on weight loss, women’s wellness, and diet and body composition analysis. These efforts were further supported by a 5-Day Yoga Challenge

(June 17–21), delivered both online and on-campus. Thousands of participants benefited from daily 45-minute guided sessions designed to build consistency, enhance inner strength, reduce stress.

On this momentous occasion, Dr. Hansaji Yogendra, one of the world’s most respected Yoga Gurus, shared a deeply resonant message:

“Yoga is not just for the body; it is for chitta prasādana — the purification and quietening of the mind. When our thoughts are clear, our actions become purposeful. And when our actions align with awareness, healing flows into our relationships, communities, and the planet. This is the essence of Yoga — to live so consciously that our very presence becomes a force of harmony.”

Her message and insights were widely broadcast across major media platforms, including Aaj Tak, Times Now, NDTV, DD News, DD Sahyadri, Akashwani, and several other prominent outlets — reaching millions across diverse regional and linguistic audiences.

Under Dr. Hansaji Yogendra’s visionary leadership, The Yoga Institute has trained over 1,00,000 certified Yoga teachers, published more than 100 books, and developed pioneering models for community-based wellness, teacher training, and holistic lifestyle education. In recognition of its extraordinary contribution, The Yoga Institute was honoured with the Prime Minister’s Award for Outstanding Contribution to Yoga, personally conferred by Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi — a testament to its national impact and global legacy.

The 2025 International Day of Yoga celebrations reaffirmed TYI’s unwavering mission: to make Yoga a way of life for all. By bridging generations, cultures, and communities, The Yoga Institute is committed to keep Yoga as not merely a practice for a single day, but a lifelong philosophy that uplifts individuals, transforms societies, and heals the planet.