Yoga and Ayurveda, enduring treasures of Bhartiya heritage, have transcended geographical boundaries to inspire leaders worldwide. As the globe unites annually on June 21st to celebrate International Yoga Day, these ancient practices are embraced not merely as wellness routines, but as profound pathways to inner peace, balance, and harmony.
In 16 remarkable instances between 2013 and 2025, global leaders have not only personally engaged with and lauded Yoga but have also emerged as powerful ambassadors of its transformative power, showcasing its universal appeal and profound impact.
Antonio Guterres applauds the popularity of Yoga
On June 21, 2024, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres celebrated the global phenomenon of the 10th International Yoga Day. Praising yoga for its foundational values of balance, mindfulness, and peace, Guterres encouraged individuals to integrate these principles into their lives to actively build a more peaceful future. His endorsement underscores the universal appeal of yoga’s ancient wisdom in contemporary global discourse.
MP Bob Blackman launches initiative to promote benefits of Ayurveda
On May 29, 2024, Conservative MP Bob Blackman launched a significant initiative on X to promote the benefits of Ayurveda across the UK. This effort aims to educate both students and homemakers about Ayurvedic treatment, signaling a growing interest in India’s traditional healing systems within the UK. The release of Dhruv Chhatralia’s book, “Ayurvedic Healing,” before the British Parliament further highlights this momentum.
Nouf Almarwaai: Yoga rising in Saudi Arabia
Reported on October 4, 2023, Nouf Almarwaai, Saudi Arabia’s first Yogacharya and a recipient of Bharat’s prestigious Padma Shri in 2018, confirmed the widespread growth of yoga across Saudi Arabia. She noted the increasing interest in fitness among the Saudi populace. As part of the International Yoga Day celebrations on June 21, 2023, approximately 10,000 people in Saudi Arabia, including its own nationals, participated with remarkable enthusiasm. This strong participation aligns with the dedicated strategy of the Saudi Yoga Committee, for which Almarwaai stated, “we worked every day.”
Yoga among King Charles’ trusted therapies
King Charles III, the monarch of the UK, has a well-documented and long-standing interest in alternative medicines and therapies. Dating back to at least May 6, 2023, his trusted practices include homeopathy, Ayurveda, yoga, and herbalism. His deep appreciation for these traditional disciplines was notably highlighted during the pandemic, when he publicly reflected on the profound healing and therapeutic power that yoga offers, demonstrating a personal embrace of Indian holistic practices.
Australia’s Marles marks Yoga Day during Bharat visit
On June 21, 2022, Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles actively participated in the International Yoga Day celebrations in Bharat. His participation occurred during a high-level visit to Bharat, scheduled from June 20 to 23, 2022. In a post on X, Marles shared his early morning start, stating, “An early morning start with some yoga, ahead of a busy couple of days here in Bharat. Looking forward to a packed couple of days, meeting my counterparts and seeing firsthand our close partnership.” This public embrace of yoga by a senior Australian minister underscores the growing convergence of diplomatic engagement with India’s cultural soft power.
Zhang praises India for sharing Yoga with world
On May 10, 2022, the Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Zhang Ming, laudably acknowledged India’s generous contribution of yoga to the world. He articulated that “Yoga is not only an ancient Indian practice but also a way of discovering ourselves and the universe. It teaches us the principles of harmony and balance.” Emphasizing India’s pivotal role, Zhang further stated, “India is the heir to this great heritage and shared with the world instead of keeping it to itself or hid it in a box,” recognising Bharat’s selfless promotion of this invaluable discipline.
Rosemary Odinga regains eyesight through Ayurveda
During an event in Gandhinagar on April 20, 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted a remarkable success story: Rosemary Odinga, the daughter of Kenya’s former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, regained her eyesight through Ayurvedic treatment in Bharat after suffering a brain aneurysm. This testimony powerfully underscores the efficacy and global relevance of India’s ancient Ayurvedic healing systems, offering hope and recovery where conventional methods might fall short.
Macron highlights Yoga’s importance during pandemic
On April 2, 2020, amidst the global grip of the COVID-19 pandemic, French President Emmanuel Macron engaged with Prime Minister Modi and underscored the critical importance of yoga during such challenging times. According to a Ministry of External Affairs readout, Macron “welcomed the prime minister’s suggestion that the practice of yoga offers a convenient means of ensuring mental and physical well-being for people confined to their homes by the pandemic.” The French president further affirmed that “yoga has been gaining new practitioners in France during the current health crisis,” demonstrating the practice’s immediate relevance and growing acceptance as a vital tool for resilience.
Netanyahu Inspired by PM Modi’s Yoga Passion
In a press statement on July 4, 2017, then-Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly declared his personal inspiration drawn from Prime Minister Modi’s evident enthusiasm for yoga. Netanyahu openly confessed, “I have to confess that I have been inspired by Modi’s enthusiasm for Yoga.” This direct acknowledgment from a prominent world leader highlights the persuasive power of India’s cultural diplomacy, with Prime Minister Modi personally embodying the transformative appeal of this ancient practice.
Former UN Chief Ban Ki-moon embraced Yoga at UN events
Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was a staunch advocate for the establishment of International Yoga Day. On June 21, 2016, and on other occasions, he actively participated in yoga events at the UN alongside his wife, Yoo Soon-taek. His consistent support and personal engagement were instrumental in elevating yoga’s global profile, demonstrating how a practice rooted in Bhartiya tradition can become a unifying force for international well-being and co-operation.
David Cameron found healing in Yoga for son Ivan
On June 21, 2016, former UK Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha, long-time supporters of Yoga, revealed its profound impact on their family. Yoga played a crucial role in treating their late son, Ivan, who suffered from cerebral palsy and epilepsy. Ivan, who passed away in 2009, attended the Special Yoga Centre in Kensal Rise, which specifically uses yoga to assist children with special needs, underscoring the practice’s therapeutic potential.
Trudeau credits Yoga for mental wellness
On a talk show aired on January 27, 2016 (reported on February 2, 2016), former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau openly discussed mental health and shared how yoga had significantly helped him. He lauded its inclusive nature and actively encouraged Canadians to adopt the practice for a healthier life, highlighting yoga’s growing acceptance as a vital tool for contemporary well-being.
Putin says he’d prefer to start Yoga with spiritual practices
At a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 8, 2015, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his willingness to try practicing yoga, promising to do so to the best of his abilities. He remarked, “Yoga was something I had never done before, but it couldn’t help being attractive. I would see what my condition permitted me to do, based on the level of my physical fitness.” This direct engagement from a world leader of Putin’s stature reflects the increasing global fascination with India’s spiritual and physical disciplines.
Hillary Clinton credits Yoga for stress relief
Reported on September 14, 2014, Hillary Clinton, former US Secretary of State and First Lady, has long been a dedicated practitioner of yoga. She frequently cited it as a key component of her routine for managing stress and maintaining flexibility. Her prominent public endorsements significantly helped raise broader awareness about the profound benefits of yoga across the US.
Michelle Obama promotes Yoga at Easter Egg Roll in 2014
As part of the 2014 Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn, held on April 21, 2014, former First Lady Michelle Obama actively promoted the theme “Get Up Go!” She enthusiastically encouraged healthy activities, including yoga, among the 30,000 attendees. Her efforts underscored the importance of integrating traditional practices like yoga into mainstream health initiatives for American families.
Obama promoted Yoga at White House events
On April 1, 2013, former US President Barack Obama demonstrated a clear interest in yoga, an inclination reflected in various White House activities. Yoga sessions were regularly hosted during prominent events such as the annual Easter Egg Roll, highlighting the administration’s recognition of physical activity, and specifically yoga, as crucial for public health and well-being.
As we reflect on the global embrace of International Yoga Day, it’s clear that Yoga and Ayurveda have truly become universal beacons. These timeless treasures of Bhartiya heritage are no longer seen as just wellness routines, but as powerful pathways to inner peace, balance, and harmony for people across the globe. Their increasing adoption by leaders and citizens alike underscores a collective recognition of their profound ability to foster well-being and unity in a world eager for both.
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