“Yoga is a Powerful Force for Harmony and Collective Well-being”: Union Minister Prataprao Jadhav

Ministry of Ayush Welcomes YOGOTSAV 2026 Organised by Indian Yoga Association at Kaivalyadhama, Lonavala

The Ministry of Ayush has welcomed the organisation of YOGOTSAV 2026 — the 6th National Conclave of the Indian Yoga Association (IYA) — being held at the Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute, Lonavala, Maharashtra, on May 29 and 30, 2026.

Organised under the theme “Celebrating Diversity in Yoga”, the two-day national conclave seeks to bring together yoga acharyas, policymakers, researchers, educators, wellness leaders, institutions, and youth representatives from across the country to deliberate on the future direction of Yoga in India and globally.

Speaking on the importance of unity among diverse yoga traditions, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush and Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, said: “Yoga is one of India’s greatest contributions to humanity. When traditions come together with mutual respect, openness, and a shared purpose, yoga becomes not merely a practice, but a powerful force for harmony, collective well-being, and human unity. It is heartening to see yoga acharyas, institutions, researchers, youth leaders, and practitioners gathering at YOGOTSAV 2026 in the spirit of dialogue and collaboration.”

The Ministry of Ayush views platforms such as YOGOTSAV as important forums for strengthening collaboration among diverse yoga traditions, institutions, educators, therapists, and researchers while preserving the authenticity and philosophical depth of India’s yogic heritage.

Hosted at the globally renowned Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute, one of the world’s oldest and most respected yoga institutions, the conclave aims to promote meaningful dialogue between traditional paramparas and contemporary institutions engaged in the field of Yoga.

The theme “Celebrating Diversity in Yoga” reflects India’s inclusive yogic heritage, where multiple schools, philosophies, and practices coexist while remaining united in the shared pursuit of harmony, self-awareness, and holistic well-being. Through this initiative, the Indian Yoga Association seeks to encourage dialogue, mutual respect, and collective growth across the many streams of Yoga flourishing in India and abroad.

A major highlight of YOGOTSAV 2026 is the experiential segment titled “Traditions in Practice – Demonstration by Living Lineages of Yoga”, featuring presentations on asana, pranayama, meditation, chanting, cyclic meditation, yoga nidra, therapeutic yoga, Bharat Yog Gati, and mindfulness practices by leading yoga institutions and masters from across the country.

The sessions are being conducted by renowned institutions and traditions including Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram, Iyengar Yoga, S-VYASA University, The Yoga Institute, ICYER, Kaivalyadhama, Bharatiya Yog Sansthan, Mokshayatan Yog Sansthan, Preksha International, Art of Living, and others.

The Ministry of Ayush observed that YOGOTSAV 2026 reflects the growing global relevance of Yoga as an important pillar of preventive healthcare, holistic wellness, and sustainable living. The Ministry continues to work towards strengthening Yoga education, research, professional standards, and international collaborations while preserving the authenticity and philosophical foundations of India’s ancient yogic traditions.

Ms Monalisa Dash, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, along with eminent leaders of the yoga fraternity including Shri O.P. Tiwari, Chairman, Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute; Guruji Dr H.R. Nagendra, Chancellor, S-VYASA University; Maa Dr Hansaji Yogendra, President, Indian Yoga Association; and Shri Subodh Tiwari, Secretary General, Indian Yoga Association and CEO, Kaivalyadhama, were also present on the occasion.

With participation from yoga educators, therapists, researchers, institutions, policymakers, and practitioners from India and abroad, YOGOTSAV 2026 is expected to emerge as a significant national platform for dialogue and collaboration, further strengthening India’s leadership in promoting Yoga for global health and well-being.