Govt Strengthens Push for Yoga and Naturopathy as Pillars of Preventive Healthcare and Global Wellness

The Government of India has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting Yoga and Naturopathy as key pillars of preventive healthcare, wellness promotion and holistic living during the fourth meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Ayush held in New Delhi.

The meeting was chaired by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush and Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, and focused on the theme “Yoga and Naturopathy in India.” The deliberations highlighted the growing national and international significance of India’s traditional wellness systems in addressing modern healthcare challenges and lifestyle-related diseases.

Welcoming members of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee, Shri Prataprao Jadhav described Yoga and Naturopathy as India’s timeless contributions to holistic healthcare and human well-being. He said these systems are increasingly emerging as major pillars of the global wellness movement and are gaining recognition worldwide for their preventive and lifestyle-based healthcare benefits.

The Minister stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ministry of Ayush has consistently prioritized Yoga and Naturopathy as effective tools for preventive, promotive and integrative healthcare. According to him, these systems are helping create greater awareness about healthy living, stress management, mental wellness and disease prevention among people across all age groups.

Highlighting India’s growing global influence in the wellness sector, Shri Jadhav recalled the landmark adoption of June 21 as the International Day of Yoga by the United Nations General Assembly in 2014. He described it as one of India’s greatest achievements in cultural diplomacy and soft power outreach.

The Minister noted that the International Day of Yoga is now celebrated in more than 190 countries, bringing millions of people together through Yoga and spreading awareness about holistic health, mindfulness and wellness-oriented lifestyles. He said the worldwide acceptance of Yoga reflects India’s expanding leadership in traditional healthcare systems and wellness diplomacy.

Shri Jadhav further emphasized that Yoga and Naturopathy are increasingly being recognized globally as effective complementary therapies for managing non-communicable diseases, stress-related disorders and mental health challenges. He stated that these systems support integrative healthcare approaches by focusing on prevention, lifestyle correction and natural healing practices.

Providing details about the rapid expansion of Yoga and Naturopathy education and training infrastructure in India, the Minister informed the Committee that more than 70 Bachelor of Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences (BNYS) colleges are currently operational across the country. In addition, over 5,000 Yoga training institutes are actively involved in promoting Yoga education and skill development.

He also highlighted the contribution of the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, which has trained more than six lakh Yoga volunteers over the years. Furthermore, over seven lakh Yoga professionals and volunteers have been certified under the Yoga Certification Board framework established by the Ministry of Ayush.

According to Shri Jadhav, the growth of Yoga and Naturopathy is not only contributing to public health and wellness but is also generating employment opportunities, strengthening India’s wellness economy and promoting wellness tourism. He said the increasing global demand for Yoga instructors, therapists and wellness professionals is opening new avenues for skilled youth and entrepreneurs in the sector.

Members of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee actively participated in the discussions and shared several suggestions and observations related to the promotion, regulation, education and international expansion of Yoga and Naturopathy.

Among the members present during the meeting were Swami S. Hari Sakshi, Shri Laxmikant Bajpayee, Smt Dharmshila Gupta, Shri Parshottambhai Rupala, Shri Nilesh D. Lanke, Smt Renuka Chowdhury and Shri Ashtikar Patil N. Bapurao.

A detailed presentation on the current status of Yoga and Naturopathy in India was delivered by Ms Monalisa Dash, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush. The presentation covered various aspects including institutional development, educational infrastructure, research initiatives, certification systems, global outreach programmes and future opportunities in the sector.

Senior officials of the Ministry of Ayush, including Joint Secretary Ms Alarmelmangai D. and Joint Secretary Smt Kavita Jain, also attended the meeting along with Members of Parliament and other ministry representatives.

The discussions also focused on strengthening research-based validation of Yoga and Naturopathy practices, improving quality standards in education and expanding public awareness campaigns to encourage healthier lifestyles among citizens.

Experts participating in the meeting noted that lifestyle disorders such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity and mental stress are increasing globally, creating greater demand for preventive and holistic healthcare approaches. In this context, Yoga and Naturopathy are increasingly being viewed as sustainable and cost-effective healthcare solutions.

The meeting concluded with members unanimously reaffirming their support for further strengthening Yoga and Naturopathy as globally recognized systems for wellness, preventive healthcare and holistic living.

Officials said the Ministry of Ayush will continue working toward expanding institutional capacity, enhancing research collaborations and promoting international partnerships to further position India as a global leader in traditional wellness and integrative healthcare systems.