Top News

As India approaches the 10-year milestone of the (IDY), preparations for its 11th edition are picking up pace across the country. At the center of this milestone celebration stands Visakhapatnam, selected as the national host city for this year’s landmark event. With just days left until June 21, the city is witnessing heightened activity, high-level coordination, and an unprecedented drive to turn yoga into a mass movement for holistic well-being.

In a significant step forward, senior officials from the Ministry of Ayush and the Government of Andhra Pradesh conducted an extensive field visit and review meeting to assess the preparedness for this mega event. The inspection was led by Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, along with Shri K. Vijayanand, Special Chief Secretary of the Government of Andhra Pradesh. Accompanying them were Ms. Monalisa Dash, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, District Collector M.N. Harendhira Prasad, and senior officials from departments including Health, Urban Planning, Ayush, and the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA).

The delegation visited RK Beach, Rishikonda Beach, Andhra University, and GITAM University—key venues earmarked for hosting yoga demonstrations and a spectrum of associated events. These locations will become epicenters of not just physical activity but also cultural, educational, and wellness engagements, echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of yoga as an inclusive, people-led global health movement.

During the review meeting, officials emphasized the need for seamless inter-departmental coordination, effective mobilization of participants, comprehensive security measures, and the integration of local cultural elements. Special attention was paid to infrastructure readiness, logistics, and public outreach, ensuring that the event reflects both national aspirations and local pride.

At the heart of Andhra Pradesh’s preparations lies the “Yogandhra” initiative, a statewide campaign to make yoga a way of life for over two crore citizens. Spearheaded by the state government in collaboration with the Ministry of Ayush, this pioneering program includes:

• Mass awareness drives across urban and rural areas
• Yoga camps in schools, colleges, and workplaces
• The creation of a certified pool of 20 lakh yoga trainers
• Yoga demonstrations at over one lakh locations
• Participation of over five lakh people in Visakhapatnam alone

This massive outreach is a testament to the Prime Minister’s clarion call to bring yoga to the last mile, ensuring that it becomes accessible, inclusive, and transformative for every Indian. The initiative also aligns with India’s broader global message of “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” a concept that underscores the interconnectedness of human and planetary well-being.

The Ministry of Ayush praised ’s leadership, calling it a model for grassroots yoga promotion and a reflection of how IDY has evolved from a symbolic event to a dynamic public health movement. The coordination between the central and state governments, supported by local institutions, NGOs, and yoga organizations, illustrates a collective commitment to making yoga a daily wellness practice for millions.

As global attention shifts to Visakhapatnam on June 21, the city stands ready not just to celebrate yoga, but to demonstrate how Indian traditions can shape global wellness. Against the scenic backdrop of RK Beach and thousands performing in harmony, the 11th International Day of Yoga promises to be a landmark in India’s ten-year journey of sharing ancient wisdom with the modern world.