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Editorial Articles


Issue no 11, 15 - 21 June 2024

Yoga for Universal Health and Harmony

 

Every year on June 21, the world unites in celebration of the International Day of Yoga, a testament to the growing popularity of the ancient practice of Yoga globally. At the forefront of India's endeavour to further propel the popularity, stands the Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR), dedicated to promoting India's rich cultural heritage worldwide. Shri Sidharath Jha conducted an interview of Shri Kumar Tuhin, the Director General of ICCR for Employment News. Through his perspectives, we delve into ICCR's pivotal role in advancing India's cultural diplomacy agenda and promoting yoga as a powerful tool for holistic well-being and global harmony.

Q 1. What drives the ICCR to actively promote yoga on the international stage? Are there specific objectives or goals that the Council aims to achieve through these efforts?

The Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR) actively promotes yoga internationally as part of its mission to enhance understanding of India's rich cultural heritage and to promote and strengthen cultural relations and mutual understanding between India and other countries.  Yoga, with its universal appeal and profound health benefits, serves as an ideal medium to connect with diverse global audiences. Our specific objectives include fostering a deeper appreciation of Indian culture and philosophy, promoting holistic health and well-being, contributing to global peace and harmony and strengthening people-to-people ties across nations. By advocating yoga, we aim to highlight India's rich cultural legacy and its contemporary relevance, thereby positioning India as a leading voice in yoga education.  Through these efforts, we aspire to not only enhance India's cultural footprint but also contribute to global health and wellness.

Q 2. Could you elaborate on the strategies employed by the ICCR to promote yoga internationally? Are there particular initiatives, programmes, or collaborations that have been instrumental in advancing this agenda?

The ICCR employs a multifaceted approach to promote yoga globally, leveraging both traditional and innovative strategies. Key initiatives include organising International Day of Yoga (IDY) celebrations in collaboration with Indian embassies and cultural centers abroad, which has seen enthusiastic participation from millions worldwide. We also conduct yoga workshops, seminars, and teacher training programmes to educate and empower practitioners. For instance, ICCR recently organised a one month residential training programme at S-VYASA, Bengaluru for 18 participants from the Pacific Islands Countries with a view to build the capacity of the participants at the individual level as well as of the countries they represent.  There are 37 Teachers of Indian Culture currently deployed by ICCR in our embassies and consulates to impart Yoga education. Besides, more than 100 local yoga teachers have also been engaged in the embassies to broaden our reach.   Collaborations with international yoga organisations and local communities play a crucial role in our efforts. Additionally, we engage in academic exchanges and research collaborations to deepen the scientific understanding of yoga's benefits. Partnerships with the Ministry of Ayush and other stakeholders enable us to ensure that our programmes are comprehensive. Through these programmes and efforts not only is ICCR successfully propagating the message of peace (the whole world is one family), but by combining cultural diplomacy with health advocacy, we are also effectively promoting yoga as a global movement for holistic health and for living in harmony with nature and everything around us.

Q 3. How does the promotion of yoga align with the broader objectives of cultural diplomacy pursued by the ICCR? In what ways does yoga serve as a vehicle for fostering dialogue and understanding between different civilisations?

Promoting yoga aligns seamlessly with ICCR's broader objectives of cultural diplomacy, which include fostering mutual understanding, respect, and collaboration among different cultures. Yoga, with its universal appeal and adaptability, transcends cultural and geographical boundaries, making it an effective tool for cultural exchange. On the International Day of Yoga, millions of yoga enthusiasts and practitioners  spread all over the world join in the shared pursuit of health and well-being, and this promotes the realisation and understanding of oneness of humanity.  This encourages cross-cultural interactions and learning  So, Yoga's principles of harmony, balance, and mindfulness resonate with diverse cultural values, promoting empathy and understanding. Through yoga, ICCR not only showcases India's rich heritage but also underscores the importance of holistic living, thus contributing to global cultural dialogue and cooperation.

Q 4. How does the ICCR engage with international scholars and communities in its efforts to promote yoga globally? Are there any notable partnerships or initiatives that facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration in this domain?

The ICCR actively engages with international scholars and communities through a variety of initiatives aimed at promoting yoga globally. We host international conferences and seminars that bring together leading yoga experts, scholars, and practitioners to share insights and research. Collaborative research projects and academic exchanges are facilitated to enhance the understanding of yoga's benefits and applications. Notable partnerships include alliances with prestigious institutions and various global yoga organisations.  In June 2022, ICCR organised in partnership with the Wongkwang Digital University of South Korea an international conference on "Yoga and Natural Health Care for Covid Pandemic: From Prevention to Long Term Rehabilitation''. In 2023, we partnered with the Yoga Vidya, Germany to organise a conference on "Holistic Yoga beyond Physiology''.  Even during the Covid pandemic, we had organised in June 2021 an online conference on "Yoga for Universal Well-being: Finding Commonalities between Indian and African Traditions" .  These are just a few examples of the nature and range of ICCR's collaborations with other institutions to foster knowledge exchange and provide platforms for dialogue. Additionally, our cultural centers abroad serve as hubs for yoga education, offering courses and workshops that engage local communities and promote intercultural understanding.

Q 5. How does the ICCR assess the impact of its initiatives aimed at promoting yoga internationally? Are there any metrics or indicators used to gauge the effectiveness of these efforts?

The ICCR assesses the impact of its yoga promotion initiatives through a combination of quantitative and qualitative measures. Participation numbers in International Day of Yoga (IDY) events, workshops, and courses provide a clear indication of reach and engagement. The number of cities where our embassies are organising IDY events as well as the number of participants are continually on the rise. Feedback from participants and partners helps gauge satisfaction and areas for improvement. We also monitor media coverage and social media engagement to measure public awareness and interest. Surveys and research studies conducted in collaboration with academic institutions offer insights into the health benefits experienced by participants. These, along with success stories and testimonials, help us refine our strategies and ensure that our initiatives are effective and impactful.

Q 6. Could you elaborate on the evolution of International Day of Yoga (IDY) celebrations facilitated by ICCR since its inception in 2015? How has the scope and scale of these celebrations expanded over the years, particularly in terms of geographical reach and participation?

Since the inception of International Day of Yoga (IDY) in 2015, the celebrations facilitated by ICCR abroad have grown exponentially in scope and scale. Initially, IDY events were organised in major cities across several countries, but today, they span almost all nations, including remote and rural areas. The number of participants has surged from thousands to millions, reflecting the global embrace of yoga. For example in 2023, our embassies organised IDY events in more than 270 locations in over 175 countries with total participation exceeding 5 crore people. Each year, new themes and innovative approaches, such as virtual yoga sessions during the COVID-19 pandemic, have been introduced to keep the celebrations dynamic and inclusive. We closely worked with our embassies to implement the 'Guardian Ring' programme in 2022, a relay yoga streaming event to connect celebrations in 75 countries in 16 different time zones to illustrate Yoga's unifying powers that transcend national boundaries. Similarly, in 2023  ICCR worked with our embassies to implement the 'Ocean Ring of Yoga' in which naval ships stationed at different ports around the world and countries with which India has maritime cooperation and merchant shipping agreements took part in the yoga demonstration.   Collaborative efforts with local governments, yoga institutions, and community organisations have played a crucial role in this expansion, ensuring broad-based participation and cultural integration. The ICCR's strategic outreach and promotional campaigns have further amplified the visibility and impact of IDY worldwide.

Q 7. It is noteworthy that leading Indian and internationally renowned yoga organisations / institutions actively participate in IDY celebrations organised by Indian Missions/ Posts abroad. Could you shed light on the nature of collaboration between ICCR and these organisations? How do these partnerships contribute to the success and impact of IDY celebrations?

The collaboration between ICCR and leading yoga organisations, both Indian and international, is pivotal to the success of IDY celebrations. These partnerships are based on shared goals of promoting holistic health and cultural exchange. It is well known that Yoga organisations have established a remarkable presence across the globe, with vibrant communities in countries spanning every continent. Their tireless efforts have introduced millions to the profound benefits of yoga, fostering physical, mental, and spiritual well- being. From bustling urban centers to serene rural landscapes, these organisations are diligently working to make yoga accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds.  Therefore,  the nature of collaboration that ICCR and our Missions abroad have is in which we do not try to replicate their work but compliment and support each other in taking forward our common objective. In this, various partner Yoga organisations provide expertise, resources, and skilled instructors, enhancing the quality and reach of IDY events. In many countries, jointly organised workshops, seminars, and public yoga sessions ensure a diverse and inclusive participation. These collaborations also facilitate the exchange of best practices and innovations in yoga teaching and practice. By leveraging the strengths of each partner, ICCR ensures that IDY celebrations are not only well-coordinated but also impactful, fostering a global community dedicated to the practice and philosophy of yoga.

Q 8. The involvement of local government, yoga institutions, and Indian community associations in IDY celebrations abroad is commendable. How does ICCR foster collaboration and engagement with these stakeholders? In what ways do local dignitaries and eminent personalities contribute to the vibrancy of IDY events organised by Indian Missions/Posts?

ICCR fosters collaboration and engagement with local governments, yoga institutions, and Indian community associations through strategic outreach and continuous dialogue. Regular meetings and planning sessions with these stakeholders ensure alignment of goals and coordinated efforts. Local governments often provide logistical support and venues, while yoga institutions contribute expertise and instructors. Indian community associations play a crucial role in mobilising participation and promoting events. The involvement of local dignitaries and eminent personalities adds significant value, lending higher credibility, drawing media attention and enhancing the event's prestige. Their participation often includes delivering speeches, participating in public yoga sessions and endorsing the benefits of yoga, thus amplifying the message and reaching a wider audience. These collaborative efforts make IDY events vibrant, inclusive and impactful.

Q 9. The Ministry of AYUSH has set up a Yoga Certification Board (YCB) for certification and accreditation of different categories of Yoga professionals.  Is there anything being done in missions and posts abroad to encourage foreign yoga practitioners to undertake the YCB exams?  How does this contribute to standardising and validating the skills and knowledge of yoga practitioners worldwide?

The establishment of the Yoga Certification Board (YCB) by the Ministry of AYUSH in India marks a significant milestone in the standardisation and promotion of yoga education and training globally. This important initiative ensures that yoga instructors and practitioners meet high standards of competence and professionalism, thus preserving the integrity and authenticity of yoga practices. By certifying qualified yoga professionals, the YCB not only enhances the quality of yoga instruction but also builds international trust in certified practitioners. ICCR is working closely with our embassies abroad to increase awareness about the YCB, the advantages accruing to those who acquire this certification and to encourage  foreign yoga enthusiasts to go for YCB certification. Recently, ICCR's cultural centre in Tashkent, Uzbekistan has successfully got 21 yoga students to receive Yoga Wellness Instructors' Certificate (level-2). Besides, the Yoga Federation of Uzbekistan (YFU)  has also received accreditation from the YCB and 9 yoga students from the YFU received Yoga Volunteer Certificate. ICCR will remain engaged with our embassies and the cultural centres to promote YCB certification for authentic and high-quality yoga instruction worldwide.

(The interviewer is the Public

Relations Officer, All India Institute

of Ayurveda, New Delhi. Feedback on this interview can be sent to feedback.employmentnews@gmail.com)

Views expressed are personal.