What is Harit Yoga? Recent Initiative Launched by Ayush Minister

Bhubaneswar: The Ministry of Ayush launched ‘Harit Yoga’, a new initiative aimed at integrating environmental sustainability with personal well-being, during the Yoga Mahotsav held at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar.

The initiative was inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Ayush (Independent Charge), Shri Prataprao Jadhav, as part of the 75-day countdown to the International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025.

‘Harit Yoga’ is one of ten Signature Events planned in the lead-up to IDY 2025. The initiative combines yoga practice with tree plantation activities, emphasizing the connection between planetary health and individual wellness.

As part of the launch, over 5,000 medicinal plants were distributed to participants, and dignitaries planted trees to mark the beginning of the programme.

Explaining the significance of the initiative, Shri Jadhav said, “Our health is inextricably linked to the health of our planet. Just as Yoga nourishes our mind and body, tree plantation nourishes the Earth, ensuring a greener and healthier future for generations to come.”

He also aligned the programme with the Prime Minister’s campaign ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’, stating, “This initiative encourages individuals to plant trees as a symbolic act of nurturing both personal and planetary health.”

The Minister recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent remarks during his Mann Ki Baat address on March 30, 2025: “Yoga has gained unprecedented popularity in the last 10 years and now it has become a global phenomenon. The PM emphasised the importance of fitness in daily life and praised initiatives like International Yoga Day. While sharing India’s vision for a healthier world population, he mentioned the theme of IDY 2025 as ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’. The theme ensures holistic health for the whole world.”

Shri Jadhav also highlighted another initiative, the “Prakruti Parikshan Abhiyan”, under which “Prakruti Parikshan of more than 1.29 crore people was conducted earning a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.”

The event in Bhubaneswar witnessed participation from over 6,000 people who performed the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP). Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha, Ms. Pravati Parida, said, “Yoga inspires us to adopt healthy lifestyle. Let us integrate Yoga into our daily lives and draw strength from the divine energy of Lord Jagannath. On behalf of Odisha Government, we expressed gratitude to Government of India and Ministry of Ayush for giving Odisha an opportunity to become part of IDY 2025 in organizing 75th day countdown in Bhubaneswar.”

Member of Parliament from Puri, Shri Sambit Patra, said, “Thanks to the vision of our Hon’ble PM, 177 countries unanimously adopted India’s proposal to declare 21st June as International Day of Yoga in 2014.”

Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, said that the 11th edition of IDY is “poised to witness record-breaking global participation.”

Other officials present included Joint Secretary Monalisa Dash, Bhubaneswar Mayor Sulochna Das, and OSD to Ayush Minister Nishant Mehra.

The CYP session was led by Dr. Kashinath Samagandi, Director, Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), and was streamed live through the Ministry of Ayush’s social media platforms.

‘Harit Yoga’ joins nine other signature events planned in the lead-up to IDY 2025, including initiatives like ‘Yoga Sangama’, ‘Yoga Bandhan’, and ‘SamYogam’, all aimed at expanding the reach and impact of yoga both nationally and globally.