Under Central Sector Scheme of International Cooperation(IC), the Ministry of AYUSH undertakes measures for global promotion and popularization of AYUSH systems of Medicine including Yoga. The Ministry deputes Yoga experts to participate in fairs/ workshops organized by the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Commerce, etc. and Indian Missions abroad for Yoga demonstration and lectures. The Ministry of AYUSH had in collaboration with Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) deputed Yoga teachers to Indian Missions for a period of 7 days by revising IC Scheme to train Yoga enthusiasts for their participation in the Mass Yoga Demonstration organized by various Indian Missions abroad to celebrate the first International Day of Yoga.

Separately, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) under auspices of Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) also deputes Yoga teachers to Indian Missions for imparting training to local students and teachers. MEA also provides publicity material including videos, documentaries, coffee table books, instructional manuals on the different aspects of yoga and yogic practices to Indian Missions for display and distribution. MEA also has been building partnerships with local organisations like Art of Living Global Centre, Gayatri Parivar, Isha Foundation Global, Iyengar Yoga Foundation, etc. that have been instrumental in spreading knowledge about yoga in different parts of the world.

The ICCR has recently signed an MoU with Yunnan Minzu University, China for establishment of Yoga College named “India-China College of Yoga”. The part support for this initiative has been provided by the Ministry of AYUSH.

This information was given by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH, Shripad Yesso Naik in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.