Celebrated yoga guru and Padma Shri recipient Bharat Bhushan has applauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his pivotal role in elevating yoga to the world stage. He believes Modi has given practical form to India’s enduring philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, or “the world is one family,” by making yoga a global movement that transcends borders, cultures, and languages.
In an exclusive conversation with IANS on the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY), Bhushan reflected on yoga’s transformation from an ancient spiritual discipline to a universally recognized path to well-being. He emphasized that much of this recognition is due to Modi’s relentless efforts. Bhushan also shared his views on what defines a genuine mass movement and how yoga’s widespread adoption is a significant achievement for both India and humanity.
“Yoga is a gift from India to the world,” he affirmed.
When asked directly about the Prime Minister’s role in this transformation, Bhushan was emphatic in his praise.
“Yoga serves as a powerful tool to address the challenges and inequalities faced by humanity,” he said. “Although there have been sporadic efforts to promote yoga over the years, it is Prime Minister Modi who understood his role as the leader of a nation inspired by Krishna, guided by Chanakya, and blessed by Shiva.”
Bhushan considers the United Nations’ recognition of June 21 as International Yoga Day a turning point that validated yoga’s relevance in the modern world. He fondly remembered the slogan from the inaugural celebration held at Delhi’s Talkatora Stadium: “Modi ji ka ye uphaar, yog kare saara sansaar”—which translates to “This is PM Modi’s gift; the whole world is practicing yoga.”
He urged the nation to properly recognize Modi’s contribution. “It’s time we give credit where it’s due,” Bhushan said. “When someone does something significant for the nation and the world, we must acknowledge it with pride.”
Though Bhushan welcomed the worldwide attention given to yoga through IDY, he believes the real value of this movement lies in its daily practice, not just ceremonial observance once a year.
“Publicity alone is not enough,” he cautioned. “Yes, the United Nations’ recognition is a major milestone, but now we must build on it. IDY should inspire people to integrate yoga into their daily lives.”
To make this vision practical, Bhushan’s organization, Mokshayatan Yog Sansthan, partnered with the Ministry of AYUSH to launch early awareness campaigns, beginning a month before June 21. He explained that many institutions are closed in June, and the early engagement was essential to sustaining momentum beyond a single day.
“This is not just about June 21,” he said. “This is about transforming parks into yoga hubs, reducing duplication among institutions, and ensuring that every arm of the government embraces yoga as part of public life.”
He underlined the need for systemic integration, not just symbolic participation.
Bhushan also reflected on his personal experience of practicing yoga alongside Prime Minister Modi, describing it as a time of both rigorous discipline and profound contemplation.
“When I met him after he became Prime Minister, he told me that he wanted to bring yoga to every corner of the globe,” Bhushan recalled. “I understood then that he saw yoga not just as tradition, but as a pathway to elevate India’s place in the world.”
He believes this vision has already influenced a global mindset shift, especially among the younger generation, which now increasingly sees yoga not only as physical exercise but as a holistic approach to living.
According to Bhushan, the new generation is ready to inherit and advance the legacy of Bharat Yog. He feels that yoga’s evolution into a lifestyle—spiritual, mental, and physical—is what gives the movement its enduring relevance.
When asked about his own sources of inspiration in yoga, Bhushan pointed not to any one person, but to the community of dedicated practitioners who embody the yogic spirit.
“Those who practice yoga are the real inspiration,” he said. “From Maharishi Patanjali and Lord Krishna to Lord Shiva and Parvati, yoga has always been passed on by those who live it.”
As for the contemporary era?
“Just as we remember the rishis and gurus of old, we will remember that Narendra Modi became an inspiration for globalizing yoga,” Bhushan stated.
His words emphasize the continuity of yoga’s heritage, connecting past spiritual masters to current leaders who are shaping the movement’s future.
As countries across the world observe the 11th International Day of Yoga, Bhushan’s reflections carry a powerful message. While millions engage in postures and breathing exercises, it is in India—yoga’s birthplace—where its soul remains deeply rooted. The global practice, according to Bhushan, is an extension of India’s spiritual generosity, brought to life through the conviction and clarity of leadership.
He also expressed hope that yoga continues to be adopted not just as a fashionable activity or seasonal celebration, but as a lifelong commitment to personal and social transformation. The practice of yoga, for Bhushan, offers tools to combat modern stress, physical ailments, and emotional imbalances—making it more relevant than ever.
In echoing Modi’s own words and efforts, Bhushan highlighted the importance of viewing yoga not just as India’s cultural asset but as humanity’s shared heritage. He underscored that for yoga to truly fulfill its global promise, it must be lived and experienced, not just displayed on world stages.
With the International Day of Yoga now an established global observance, Bharat Bhushan’s remarks serve as a heartfelt tribute to the potential of ancient wisdom in modern times. They also stand as a testament to how visionary leadership can transform a local tradition into a universal movement.
As the sun rises over parks and city squares worldwide on June 21, thousands will gather to perform yoga under open skies. Yet, behind these scenes lies a deeper truth—that yoga is more than movement, more than breath. It is, as Bhushan and many like him affirm, a living bridge between inner peace and collective harmony.
And in that spirit, the world now moves together—guided by an Indian gift, and a Prime Minister’s resolve to share it with all.