Many nations across the globe have found certain cultural traditions that add value to how they are perceived by others. Among these traditions, yoga stands out as one of the most impactful practices associated with India.
Although yoga has been around for thousands of years, its reputation has grown beyond borders, becoming a major part of how people view the country today.
With its ancient roots in physical discipline, mental calmness, and spiritual awareness, yoga is often recognised as more than just an exercise routine. Instead, it reflects a wider value system that many believe represents a sense of balance and wellbeing.
Ancient poses meet global praise on mats around the world (Photo: Twitter)
The popularity of yoga did not develop overnight. It is the result of steady promotion, both at home and abroad, through various cultural, diplomatic, and educational programmes. International Day of Yoga, first declared by the United Nations in 2015, helped draw more attention to the practice.
This yearly event is now observed in several countries, with mass yoga sessions held in public spaces, schools, and even offices. These gatherings have quietly reinforced India’s connection to wellness and self-discipline, presenting the country as a place rooted in inner peace and healthy living.
Deep Historical Ties and Spiritual Meaning
Yoga’s beginnings go back to the Indus Valley civilisation, with records showing that early forms of meditation and physical training existed long before modern interpretations.
From the teachings of Patanjali to the philosophies found in the Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads, yoga has long been linked with a way of life rather than simply a fitness method.
As India gained independence and grew as a modern nation, the decision to embrace and promote yoga abroad became part of a wider cultural message. This message speaks to the country’s wisdom, heritage, and openness to sharing knowledge.
Foreign scholars and practitioners often travel to India to learn yoga from its original teachers. Many of these individuals later become ambassadors of Indian culture without holding any formal title.
Yoga schools in Rishikesh, Mysore, and Pune attract visitors from every continent. By welcoming these guests, India positions itself as a teacher and guide, offering something valuable to those seeking clarity and strength in their personal lives.
Cultural Diplomacy and India’s Global Image
The practice of yoga now plays a role in how India carries itself on the international stage. It has become part of the country’s soft power strategy, meaning that India’s values and traditions help shape how others interact with it.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken at length about yoga’s benefits and has used it to open conversations with other world leaders. These actions are not simply for show; they are part of a steady effort to present India as a responsible and peaceful member of the international community.
When Indian embassies hold yoga sessions abroad, or when Indian leaders participate in international yoga events, it reflects the strength of cultural engagement. The image of thousands of people practising yoga in Times Square, New York or the Eiffel Tower lawns, sends a strong signal about how India’s traditions can find a place in any society.
This influence does not require force or economic pressure. Rather, it relies on trust and the ability to offer something that people can adopt on their own terms.
Impact on Tourism and Education
Yoga has also helped India become a destination for people searching for wellness and self-improvement. Wellness tourism has grown quickly, especially in states like Kerala, Uttarakhand, and Goa, where yoga retreats and training centres offer extended stays.
These programmes often combine yoga with Ayurveda, another ancient Indian system, making the experience both physical and medicinal. This form of travel brings income into rural communities while also giving international visitors a deeper understanding of Indian values.
Educational institutions have joined this effort by offering courses in yoga studies. Universities across India now provide degree programmes focused on the philosophy, science, and practice of yoga.
These academic efforts have allowed students from abroad to study in India under proper guidance. Many of them return home with formal qualifications and open their own yoga schools, continuing the cycle of global exposure.
Influence on Health and Lifestyle Trends
The worldwide interest in yoga has also changed how people view health and exercise. Unlike gym-based workouts that often focus on physical appearance, yoga promotes a combination of breath control, concentration, and controlled movement.
This appeal has made it popular among people who may not be drawn to traditional forms of fitness. It has also led to collaborations between yoga experts and health professionals in many countries.
Hospitals and clinics in places like the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada now recommend yoga as a form of therapy for issues like anxiety, depression, and chronic pain.
This reflects a level of trust in the method, and by extension, in its cultural origin. Through such developments, India finds itself associated with healing and self-care, which adds depth to its identity on the global platform.
Role of Media and the Private Sector
Indian media houses, production companies, and publishing firms have taken the message even further. Instructional books, online classes, and television programmes dedicated to yoga now reach millions.
From Himalayan roots to city parks yoga breathes across continents (Photo: Getty Images)
Indian brands focused on wellness products have entered international markets, selling herbal teas, oils, and accessories that are closely linked with yoga’s message. These efforts contribute to building a certain image around India that connects it with natural living and inner growth.
Private sector organisations have also played their part by sponsoring yoga events or creating jobs in the wellness industry. Some companies offer yoga as part of their employee wellbeing packages, while others train their staff to become instructors.
These choices are rarely just business decisions. They reflect a growing respect for Indian practices and a belief that such approaches can improve quality of life.
Maintaining Authenticity
One of the challenges that India faces is how to ensure that yoga remains rooted in its original values while it becomes global. There have been concerns that commercial yoga sometimes moves too far from its spiritual roots, turning into a product rather than a practice.
To respond to this, many Indian scholars and institutions continue to publish materials that emphasise traditional teachings. They also work to certify instructors and schools, making sure that standards are upheld.
There is also an effort to involve younger generations in the practice, both in cities and rural areas. School programmes and local community groups have been encouraged to include yoga in their daily routines. This ensures that while the practice spreads internationally, it also remains part of daily life at home.
Yoga has come to represent more than a set of poses or breathing techniques. Through quiet influence, steady outreach, and deep-rooted values, it has helped shape how India is seen around the world.
From education and healthcare to diplomacy and tourism, yoga continues to offer India a way to connect with others while remaining true to its heritage. This connection brings value not only to those who practise it, but also to the image of the country that gave it to the world.
