Reclaiming Yoga Beyond The Trend: Why It Must Reflect The ‘Indian Way’

On a rare sunny day in an otherwise windy and chilly part of San Francisco, people gathered to celebrate the International Day of Yoga, organised by the Indian Consulate. The gathering included people of all ages, from young children trying to follow their parents to elderly men and women of the Indian diaspora community moving at their own pace.

As we moved from one asana to another, exchanging smiles and gentle words of encouragement with our co-practitioners, I had a brief exchange with one participant that stayed with me long after the session ended. Anna, a Norwegian who has practised yoga for several years, told me this was her first time doing yoga with the Indian community. “I am doing Yoga the Indian way. I feel like I’ve come to the source of yoga,” she said.

It was a powerful observation, especially since International Yoga Day was first declared by the United Nations a decade ago. It left me wondering what the “Indian way” of yoga is that so many practitioners outside India rarely experience.

Curious to understand more, I spoke with a few other attendees who were not of Indian origin. Their responses had a common thread. They all spoke about the values behind yoga.

Mariam Monica from Peru shared that yoga had become her gateway to inner peace and solace. Yoko, a yoga teacher with twenty years of experience in San Francisco, emphasised that yoga’s non-competitive spirit sets it apart from most other forms of exercise.

“The beauty of practising yoga in a large group is that everyone moves together,” she explained. “While it is a deeply personal experience, no one is left behind.” Anna added that what really struck her was the inclusivity, where people of all ages, fitness levels, and backgrounds practised together, each at their own pace.

This deeper understanding of yoga as a holistic practice that integrates body, mind, breath, and values is often overlooked. Many commercialised versions like hot yoga, dog yoga, or even wine yoga have become popular in the United States, which is one of the largest markets for yoga and yoga-related products.

As more people become aware of the transformative potential of yoga, not just in the US but across the world, India has an opportunity to lead the way by reminding yoga enthusiasts of its origins and deeper meanings. Indian institutions, entrepreneurs, experts and diplomatic missions can collaborate to present yoga and India’s rich wellness traditions through various channels and initiatives.

First, celebrations like International Yoga Day could grow into multi-day festivals. Practical and dedicated sessions on pranayama, meditation, and mindfulness could offer tools to help people explore yoga as a holistic discipline. This could deepen people’s appreciation for the philosophy that underpins yoga, bringing them closer to its true essence.

Second, consulates can partner with Indian cultural entrepreneurs and wellness brands to frequently showcase authentic yogic offerings. Food entrepreneurs could introduce satvik menus and Ayurvedic recipes that reflect a balanced, wholesome diet. Wellness entrepreneurs could present traditional yoga props, mats, and sustainable accessories. These kinds of collaborations would enrich the experience for participants while also supporting small businesses that promote Indian wellness traditions.

Additionally, International Day of Yoga coincides with World Music Day. This presents an opportunity to integrate cultural elements such as Indian classical music with chanting or dance and yoga postures. The common emphasis on principles of discipline and dedication across these practices can be highlighted through expert-led discussions or through other experiential ways. Such efforts would also highlight India’s rich culture and add depth to the celebrations by fostering deeper connections with our heritage.

Lastly, outreach campaigns on social media and within local communities could help draw a more diverse international audience. Soft power is most effective when it engages people from different cultures and backgrounds. Highlighting yoga’s Indian roots through beginner-friendly sessions, public talks, or short videos on its deeper meanings can help more people appreciate its broader impact. This necessitates proactive collaborations between yoga schools, organisations and diplomatic missions at the local level.

Yoga offers immense potential to grow as a practice that embodies compassion, discipline, and well-being for all. In his International Day of Yoga speech this year in Visakhapatnam, Prime Minister Narendra Modi drew attention to this year’s theme of ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’ by reminding the universality of yoga. He stated that “Yoga is the pause button humanity needs, to breathe, to balance, to become whole again.” The sentiment reflects the Indian ethos of Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, or the well-being of all humanity.

India’s yoga outreach efforts must emphasise its commitment to global wellness and its potential in leading the way. Consistent and innovative channels for engaging diverse audiences and involving relevant stakeholders can draw attention to the authentic Indian way of yoga, where it is not just a mere physical form of fitness but a deeply rooted, value-based way of life that uplifts us all.