Mandaviya leads Yoga Day celebrations with 1500 participants in Delhi

New Delhi, June 21, 2025 – The national capital turned into a hub of wellness and spiritual unity as Union Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya led the International Day of Yoga celebrations at Kartavya Path, Delhi, on Friday. The event, attended by over 1,500 yoga enthusiasts, government officials, AYUSH experts, and students, underscored India’s growing emphasis on preventive healthcare and its soft power on the global stage.

A Symbol of Unity Through Wellness

The 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) was themed “Yoga for Self and Society”, resonating with the broader vision of promoting holistic health and societal harmony. Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mandaviya emphasized the transformative role of yoga, especially in post-pandemic India.

“Yoga is not merely an exercise; it is a science of inner peace and resilience. As the world battles chronic ailments, mental health challenges, and lifestyle disorders, yoga offers a path rooted in our traditions and backed by science,” he stated.

The minister, known for integrating wellness into policy, performed the Common Yoga Protocol alongside the participants as early morning sunshine bathed the historic boulevard.

Massive Participation Reflects Yoga’s Reach

The event in Delhi was one among thousands conducted across India and globally, with reports indicating over 100 million people participating worldwide. Schools, colleges, workplaces, armed forces, and Indian embassies abroad organized sessions, making it a synchronized global celebration of wellness.

In Delhi alone, multiple locations including Rajpath, Red Fort, and Lodhi Garden saw large gatherings as people from various walks of life performed asanas with enthusiasm and discipline.

The Ministry of AYUSH, which coordinated the event, highlighted how yoga has penetrated rural areas and tier-2 cities, thanks to consistent promotion by both government and non-government bodies.

Analysts: Wellness Economy to Gain Momentum

Industry analysts point out that events like IDY not only carry cultural significance but also have measurable economic implications. The global wellness market, estimated at over $5 trillion, has seen significant traction in yoga-related products and services – from apparel and mats to instructor training and digital wellness platforms.

“India is uniquely positioned to lead the global wellness movement. With yoga as its cornerstone, we expect a compounded annual growth of 8-10% in the wellness and alternative therapy sectors over the next five years,” said Ritika Shukla, Health Sector Analyst at Bharat Wellness Insights.

Startup ecosystems, particularly in Bengaluru, Pune, and Delhi-NCR, have witnessed a surge in yoga-tech ventures offering AI-driven posture correction, virtual yoga studios, and wearable-integrated platforms.

Political Messaging and Global Diplomacy

Apart from health and economics, International Day of Yoga has evolved into a diplomatic and strategic tool. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the global community virtually, highlighted yoga’s unifying power across cultures.

“Yoga connects. It connects body with mind, individual with society, humanity with nature,” the Prime Minister remarked, encouraging global citizens to embrace yoga not just for physical health but for inner harmony.

Embassies in the United States, Japan, Russia, and African nations reported record attendance, reinforcing India’s soft power and cultural diplomacy.

Investor Outlook: AYUSH and Wellness Stocks on Radar

Following the government’s increasing push on traditional healthcare systems, investors are eyeing opportunities in companies and startups aligned with the AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) mission. Stocks like Patanjali Foods, Emami, and Nutraceutical-focused firms saw mild gains in intraday trading as market sentiment favored wellness-oriented portfolios.

Private equity and venture capital interest has also grown, with over $200 million invested in wellness startups in the last year alone, according to data from Tracxn.

From Mat to Market

As India continues to assert its role as a global health leader, yoga is at the core of this vision. With strong government backing, widespread public participation, and rising investor interest, the convergence of wellness, policy, and economy is becoming more apparent than ever.

Events like the one led by Dr. Mandaviya in Delhi are more than symbolic—they are strategic steps toward a healthier, more harmonious society and a stronger wellness economy.