Kolkata(3/6) : In a significant step towards organizing one of the largest yoga celebrations in the country, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, and Monalisa Dash, called on R. N. Ravi, Hon’ble Governor of West Bengal, to discuss preparations for the International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026 in Kolkata.
The high-level meeting focused on the roadmap for hosting a world-class celebration that reflects India’s leadership in promoting yoga as a powerful tool for holistic health, well-being, and global harmony. Discussions covered strategic planning, stakeholder coordination, public participation, and innovative initiatives aimed at making IDY 2026 a landmark event with national and international significance.
During the interaction, the leaders emphasized the importance of collective efforts involving government agencies, educational institutions, healthcare organizations, yoga institutions, civil society groups, and citizens to ensure widespread engagement and meaningful impact. The meeting also explored opportunities to showcase West Bengal’s rich cultural heritage alongside the universal message of yoga, positioning Kolkata as a vibrant global destination for the celebration.
The Hon’ble Governor expressed his support for the preparations and highlighted the transformative role of yoga in fostering physical fitness, mental wellness, social cohesion, and sustainable lifestyles. He appreciated the Ministry of Ayush’s vision of taking yoga to every section of society and strengthening India’s cultural and wellness diplomacy through large-scale public participation.
Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to making IDY 2026 a people-centric movement that inspires individuals across age groups and communities to embrace yoga as a way of life. Monalisa Dash emphasized the importance of coordinated planning and partnerships to ensure seamless execution and broad outreach across the state and beyond.
With Kolkata set to play a pivotal role in the global observance of International Day of Yoga 2026, the meeting marked the beginning of an ambitious journey towards creating a memorable celebration that embodies the spirit of wellness, unity, and collective well-being. The collaborative vision shared by the Ministry of Ayush and the Government of West Bengal is expected to elevate the event into a powerful platform for promoting India’s timeless yoga tradition on the world stage.
The preparations are expected to gain momentum in the coming months, with multiple outreach programs, awareness campaigns, and community-led initiatives paving the way for a truly historic International Day of Yoga 2026.Reported by Sanatan Mahakud.
