Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, will organise ‘Yoga Bandhan’ on 17 June 2025, as part of the International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025 celebrations. This initiative is one of the 10 Signature Events being promoted in connection with IDY-2025 and reflects India’s commitment to strengthening global cooperation through building institution- to -institution connections in Yoga.

This unique initiative emphasizes people-to-people exchange, bringing together international delegates who are leaders in the field of Yoga—academicians, practitioners, authors, trainers, and studio founders—from across the world.

Prominent international delegates attending the event include:

• Mr Josh Pryor, President & CEO of Yoga Australia, a Mysore Style Yoga practitioner, author and studio-owner from Australia.

• Mr Gregor Kos, Senior representative from Yoga in Daily Life, Austria.

• Professor Danilo Forghieri Santaella, Head of Research and Academic Supervisor, Sports Center, University of São Paulo, Brazil.

• Ms Yin Yan, Founder of Yogi Yoga, China.

• Maj Ingemann-Molden, Yoga expert, Denmark.

• Mr Slamat Riyanto, Chairperson, Indonesian National Association of Yoga Practitioners (PPYNI), Indonesia.

• Mrs Vidya Volkova, Director, Shakti Yoga Studio, Kazakhstan.

• Mr Manisekaran, Founder, Malaysian Yoga Society and Malaysian Association of Yoga Instructors, Malaysia.

• Mrs Sinthamani Arunasalam, Co-Founder, AKSINOM Yoga, Malaysia.

• Irina Fursova, Yoga Therapist; Hatha, Ayengar Yogateacher, Osteopathy Practitioner, Russia.

• Dr Sujata Cowlagi, Founder & Director, Pragya Yoga and Wellness, Singapore.

• Prof. Geo-lyong Lee, Recipient of Distinguished Indologist Award 2019, South Korea.

• Mr Kugan Naidoo, Yoga Teacher, South Africa

• Ms Sivlutchime Naidoo, Yoga expert, South Africa.

• Mr Jose Maria Marquez Jurado (Gopala), Renowned Yoga practitioner, Spain.

• Mr Vimukthi Jayasundara, Film maker, critic and visual artist, Sri Lanka.

• Ms Rocio Belen Bonacci, National Representative (Deputy Chamber), Santa Fe Province, Argentina.

The inaugural session of Yoga Bandhan will feature key addresses by dignitaries including Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush; Ms Monalisa Dash, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush; Ms K. Nandini Singla, Director General, ICCR; and Dr Kashinath Samagandi, Director, MDNIY. Following the inaugural programme, delegates will participate in a curated tour of the MDNIY campus and an interactive session on communication and knowledge exchange.

These delegates will attend cultural visits and institutional dialogues. Their tour will culminate in their participation in the grand IDY event on 21 June 2025. During their stay, they will also attend dedicated Yoga sessions, discussions on integrative wellness, share experiences and explore collaborative opportunities with Indian institutions.

Yoga Bandhan is a testament to India’s soft power and global leadership in the field of Yoga. By fostering long-term institutional partnerships and nurturing cultural dialogue, the initiative serves as a bridge for collective well-being, harmony, and deeper diplomatic engagement.

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MV/AKS

Morarji Press Release