Initiative Blends Environmental Sustainability with Traditional Yoga Practices
New Delhi, May 11 — As India prepares to celebrate the 10th International Day of Yoga (IDY), the ‘Harit Yoga’ initiative has emerged as a powerful convergence of environmental sustainability and ancient yoga traditions, garnering widespread participation across the country.
Launched by Union Ayush Minister Prataprao Jadhav on April 7 at Bhubaneswar’s Kalinga Stadium, Harit Yoga is one of the ten signature events marking a decade since the United Nations recognised IDY. The launch event saw over 6,000 yoga practitioners performing the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP), alongside the distribution of more than 5,000 medicinal plants to promote eco-conscious wellness.
"Our Health is Linked to the Planet’s Health": Ayush Minister
Highlighting the spirit of the initiative, Minister Jadhav stated, "Our health is inextricably linked to the health of our planet. Just as yoga nourishes our mind and body, tree plantation nourishes the Earth, ensuring a greener and healthier future for generations to come."A senior official from the Ayush Ministry described Harit Yoga as more than a practice — it is a movement aimed at inspiring citizens to merge personal wellness with environmental stewardship. Activities under this movement include tree plantation drives, riverside clean-ups, yoga retreats in natural settings, and sessions at iconic locations.
Eco-Wellness Activities Across States
Since its launch, Harit Yoga events have unfolded nationwide. On April 22, a session held at Atmantan Wellness Centre in Mulshi, Maharashtra — in collaboration with the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) and supported by the Ayush Ministry — featured yoga sessions, tree plantations, cleanliness drives, and nature treks under the theme ‘Trek to Good Health’.In Lucknow, a River Yoga campaign was conducted along the Gomti River with yoga sessions and clean-up drives. The initiative, led by the 137 Composite Ecological Task Force Battalion (Territorial Army) of the 39 Gorkha Rifles, collaborated with local civic bodies and universities, aiming to unite ecological restoration with personal wellness.
Nationwide Tree Plantation Drive on April 22
In a landmark initiative, the Indian Yoga Association (IYA) and its state chapters undertook a nationwide tree plantation drive on April 22 under the Harit Yoga banner. States including Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and Uttarakhand participated, along with the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), New Delhi.At MDNIY, saplings were planted to reinforce the message of eco-conscious living. Jaipur hosted a unique yoga session paired with a human chain formation and Ayurvedic drink distribution, while in Chhattisgarh, medicinal plants were planted at Teli Gundar School, with tree guards installed to ensure their preservation.
Leaders Urge a Deeper Embrace of Yoga’s Philosophy
Maa Dr Hansaji Yogendra, president of IYA and director of the Yoga Institute, praised the Ministry for conceptualising Harit Yoga. "This initiative underscores the intrinsic connection between sustainable living and yoga," she said.Swami Chidanand Saraswati, governing council member of IYA and president of Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh, emphasized that yoga is about aligning the self with nature, calling upon citizens to adopt this harmony in daily life.
Special Events and Campaigns Continue Nationwide
Under the "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" campaign, more than 100 fruit-bearing and medicinal trees were planted on April 22 at the Trans Himalayan Herbal Garden, where a special yoga session was also conducted to promote mindfulness and eco-awareness. The event also featured the promotion of 'Poshan Vatikas' — nutrition gardens aimed at fostering sustainable health and traditional healing.On April 29, FHRAI, in collaboration with the National Medicinal Plants Board and FHRAI Institute of Hospitality Management, hosted another Harit Yoga event at Knowledge Park 123 in Greater Noida. More than 2,000 medicinal plants — including Tulsi, Ashwagandha, and Shatavari — were distributed and planted, each tagged with QR codes for digital tracking.
