AYUSH Survey: Yoga Becomes a Lifestyle for 41% Indians
Since the United Nations declared June 21 as International Yoga Day, more than 41% of people in India have incorporated yoga into their lifestyle. According to the latest survey conducted by the Ministry of AYUSH, 24.6% of respondents reported improved fitness, while 16.9% experienced reduced stress levels. Nearly one-fourth claimed to have gained health-related knowledge through yoga practices.
What Did People Claim?
Approximately one-fourth of respondents stated that they acquired health knowledge. The survey covered 30,084 households across 34 states and union territories, including both urban and rural regions. Titled "Impact of a Decade of International Yoga Day," the survey also revealed that 11.2% of people practice yoga regularly, 13.4% occasionally, and 75.5% do not practice yoga at all.
Dr. Raghavendra Rao, Director of CCRYN, clarified that the 11.2% who practice yoga regularly attend formal yoga classes and sessions. He emphasized that when it's said 41% have embraced yoga, it includes forms like Bhakti Yoga (prayer), meditation, and self-practice aimed at calming the mind.
Urban Citizens and Men Lead in Yoga Practice
In urban areas, 12.6% of respondents practice yoga regularly compared to 10.4% in rural areas. Among regular practitioners, 11.6% are men and 10.7% are women. Awareness of yoga was highest among the 18–24 age group. Interestingly, 17% of those aged 65 and above also actively practice yoga.
Among those practicing yoga, 36.2% suffer from ailments like diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and gastric issues. About 39.3% of respondents were aware of the Common Yoga Protocol, and one-third (33.4%) have participated in at least one community International Yoga Day event in the last decade.
The survey was conducted by the Central Council for Research in Yoga & Naturopathy (CCRYN) in collaboration with YOLO 9 Technologies.
Green Yoga Initiative
One of the ten major programs designed to celebrate International Yoga Day is 'Green Yoga.' Union AYUSH Minister Prataprao Jadhav explained that efforts are being made to integrate yoga with environmental sustainability, and the initiative is gaining popularity across India.
Green Yoga is a movement that aligns our breathing with the rhythm of the Earth. Practicing one yoga pose while planting one tree symbolizes a small but impactful step toward environmental stability. The AYUSH Ministry is working with local bodies and resident welfare associations to develop and revive yoga parks across the nation.