**Executive Summary**
The Ministry of Ayush convened a high-level Core Committee meeting on April 28, 2026, to chart the roadmap for the 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026. Adopting a "Whole-of-Government" approach, the meeting focused on accelerating preparations to amplify the global scale, reach, and impact of the event. Key immediate actions include the implementation of structured countdown campaigns, digital engagement strategies, and the integration of yoga into daily life across all sectors of society.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Strategic Planning and Approach**
* **Whole-of-Government Strategy:** The government is adopting a unified approach involving multiple ministries to ensure a grand and impactful observance.
* **Institutional Convergence:** The meeting served as a platform for preparatory review and coordinated action among various departments to build upon the success of the 2025 edition.
* **Roadmap Development:** Discussions centered on elevating the global stature of yoga as a tool for health, harmony, and collective well-being.
**Core Initiatives and Outreach**
* **Countdown Campaigns:** Implementation of structured countdowns and thematic programs to build momentum.
* **Digital Engagement:** Use of digital strategies to enhance public participation and global visibility.
* **Targeted Themes:** Emphasis on inclusivity, sustainability, and youth participation to broaden the event's appeal.
* **Iconic Locations:** Plans are underway to organize yoga demonstrations at iconic locations across India and the world.
**Inter-Ministerial Collaboration**
* **Broad Participation:** Representatives from diverse sectors including Home Affairs, Defence, External Affairs, Railways, Education, and Health participated in the planning.
* **Program Alignment:** Ministries were encouraged to align their existing programs with the vision of holistic health and preventive healthcare through yoga.
* **State and UT Involvement:** Strengthening institutional participation across all States and Union Territories was identified as a priority for localized impact.
**Impact Analysis**
**Ministry of Ayush**
**Impact**
As the lead agency, the Ministry is responsible for the overall coordination, strategic roadmap, and facilitation of institutional convergence for IDY 2026.
**Action Required**
Direct the Core Committee, facilitate inter-ministerial synergy, and oversee the execution of outreach and digital engagement strategies.
**Partner Government Ministries and Departments**
**Impact**
Ministries such as Defence, Education, Railways, and Health are tasked with integrating the IDY vision into their specific domains to amplify the event's reach.
**Action Required**
Align departmental programs with the IDY vision, participate in coordinated outreach, and implement yoga-related initiatives within their respective jurisdictions.
**State and Union Territory Administrations**
**Impact**
These stakeholders are critical for the ground-level execution and expansion of yoga demonstrations across diverse regions.
**Action Required**
Strengthen institutional participation and organize large-scale yoga demonstrations at the local level.
**General Public and Youth**
**Impact**
The strategy focuses on integrating yoga into the daily lives of citizens for improved holistic health and preventive healthcare.
**Action Required**
Engage with digital campaigns and participate in thematic programs and local yoga demonstrations.
Key Entities Referenced
International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026: The 12th edition of the global annual event, for which the Indian government is planning a large-scale observance focused on public engagement and international collaboration.
Ministry of Ayush: The lead government ministry responsible for coordinating the 'Whole-of-Government' approach and preparatory roadmap for the International Day of Yoga 2026.
High-level Core Committee: A coordinating body composed of representatives from various Indian ministries and departments, established to strategize outreach and institutional participation for IDY 2026.
Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha: Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, who chaired the high-level meeting to oversee the implementation and global scaling of the upcoming Yoga Day activities.
AYUSH
Ayush Ministry Accelerates Preparations for
International Day of Yoga 2026
High-Level Core Committee Meet Charts Roadmap for
Impactful Yoga Day Observance
Ministry of Ayush Emphasizes Whole-of-Government
Approach for Grand Celebration
Posted On: 28 APR 2026 6:30PM by PIB Delhi
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.
***
SR/SV/SG
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