Yoga: From Tradition to Global Public Health Movement
On the occasion of International Day of Yoga, Timesnow.in exclusively interviewed Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India. He discussed how India is transforming yoga from a traditional practice into a global public health movement. This year's theme, 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing', highlights India's efforts to encourage people of all ages to embrace yoga as a lifelong habit, not just an annual celebration.
'Yoga 365' Campaign: Making Yoga a Daily Habit
Kotecha emphasized the government's vision to make yoga a 365-day movement. Citing survey data, he noted that in 2022, about 15% of Indian households (approximately 45 million) had at least one person practicing yoga. India aims to increase this to 75% in the next five years through the 'Yoga 365' large-scale behavioral change communication campaign.
Scientific Evidence: Yoga as 'Zero-Premium Health Insurance'
Describing yoga as 'zero-premium health insurance,' Kotecha highlighted multiple scientific studies:
- Brain Health: Long-term studies show that regular yoga and meditation can reverse age-related brain shrinkage and significantly increase brain volume.
- Migraine Management: Research from AIIMS Delhi found that adding yoga to standard treatment significantly reduces migraine attack intensity and frequency.
- Cardiac Rehabilitation: The American Heart Association has included yoga in cardiac treatment guidelines.
- Other Areas: Positive evidence exists for yoga in mental health, anxiety, OCD, hypertension, diabetes, and menopausal issues.
The Ministry of Ayush has partnered with ICMR to integrate yoga evidence into standard treatment guidelines for various diseases.
Yoga in Schools: Cartoon Character 'Professor Ayushman' Engages Kids
To attract the younger generation, India has integrated yoga into school curricula from pre-primary to secondary levels as part of the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) and physical education. A cartoon series featuring 'Professor Ayushman' has been created to teach children about yoga and medicinal plants in a fun, engaging way.
Yoga as a Sport: Asian Games and Super League on the Horizon
With support from the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Yogasana has been officially recognized as a sport in India. India won the most medals at the recent Asian Yogasana Championship in Delhi and 108 gold medals at the World Yogasana Championship in Ahmedabad. A Yogasana Super League (similar to IPL) is being planned, and Yogasana will be a demonstration sport at the next Asian Games, with potential to become a full medal event.