In a significant step towards ensuring a grand and impactful observance of the International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026, the Ministry of Ayush convened a high-level Core Committee Meeting today. The meeting was chaired by Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, and brought together representatives from key Ministries and Departments of the Government of India.
The meeting witnessed participation from key Ministries including Home Affairs, External Affairs, Culture, Information & Broadcasting, Electronics & Information Technology, Defence, Railways, Panchayati Raj, Development of North Eastern Region, Women & Child Development, and Environment, Forest & Climate Change. Departments such as Health & Family Welfare, Health Research, School Education & Literacy, Higher Education, Youth Affairs, Sports, and Posts were also represented.
Reaffirming the Government’s commitment, the Secretary, Ministry of Ayush emphasized that IDY 2026 will build upon the strong foundation laid in previous years while introducing new dimensions of public engagement and international collaboration. He highlighted that coordinated efforts of all Ministries and stakeholders will further elevate the global stature of yoga as a powerful tool for health, harmony, and collective well-being.
With representation from various Ministries and line Departments, the meeting served as a key platform for institutional convergence, preparatory review, and coordinated action. The meeting was facilitated by Ms. Monalisa Dash, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush. Ms. Alarmelmangai D., Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, along with senior officials from participating Ministries, were also present.
A detailed presentation on the International Day of Yoga was made during the meeting, outlining its global evolution, scale, and impact. Discussions focused on strengthening convergence across Ministries to further amplify the scale, reach, and impact of IDY 2026. Emphasis was laid on coordinated outreach strategies, enhanced public participation, and innovative initiatives aimed at integrating yoga into daily life across diverse sections of society. Ministries were encouraged to align their respective programmes with the broader vision of promoting holistic health, preventive healthcare, and overall well-being through yoga.
The Ministry of Ayush highlighted that, building on the unprecedented success of previous editions, including the extensive outreach achieved in 2025, the Government is adopting a Whole-of-Government approach for IDY 2026. Preparatory efforts such as structured countdown campaigns, digital engagement strategies, and thematic programmes focused on inclusivity, sustainability, and youth participation are being actively pursued.
The meeting also reviewed plans for organizing yoga demonstrations at iconic locations, expanding global outreach, and strengthening institutional participation across States and Union Territories.
The meeting concluded with a shared resolve among all participating Ministries and Departments to work in close synergy to ensure that the 12th International Day of Yoga is marked by unprecedented scale, visibility, and impact across India and the world.
