Vasudeva Kriya Yoga (VKY) celebrated the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY 2025) with the message “One Earth, One Health,” encouraging Australians to embrace yoga as a way of living that fosters holistic wellbeing and inner purpose.
VKY founder Rajendra Yenkannamoole delivered a stirring address, describing yoga as “a licence to lead a meaningful life.” He commended the many participants—young, elderly and in between—who braved Melbourne’s winter morning in search of stillness, strength and inner connection.
“Yoga means true connection—not just online connection, but alignment with our highest possibility. Only when we are physically, mentally, and spiritually enabled can we truly contribute to society.”
Rajendra expressed gratitude to Dr Sushil Kumar, Consul General of India in Melbourne, for attending the event and sharing the official IDY 2025 message on behalf of the Government of India.
This year’s IDY theme, “One Earth, One Health,” follows last year’s focus on “Yoga for Self and Society.” While themes may vary, Rajendra stressed that the message of yoga remains unchanged. He urged attendees to see yoga not as a physical workout but as a conscious lifestyle rooted in ancient Indian wisdom.
He described yoga as a framework for conscious and ethical living, built upon foundational principles known as Yama and Niyama. These principles, such as non-violence, truthfulness, contentment, self-discipline, and surrender to the higher self, shape both our interactions with the world and our inner mental landscape.
Quoting Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras and the Bhagavad Gita, Shri Rajendra said yoga is universal and inclusive—unbound by religion, language, or background. He likened life to a journey where the body is the vehicle and yoga is the licence required to navigate it meaningfully.
In the face of rising mental health concerns in Australia, particularly among young people, he highlighted the urgency of integrating yoga into daily life. Nearly 40% of Australians aged 16–24 reported experiencing mental health disorders in the past year, and the economic cost of mental ill-health is estimated at $220 billion annually.
He called for a cultural shift from reactive health care to proactive self-care, where yoga can play a vital role in preventing illness, cultivating joy, and enhancing quality of life.
“Yoga transforms depression into direction. It expands consciousness from ‘me and mine’ to ‘we and ours’. A yogi sees positivity everywhere. And only one who is joyful can truly share joy with the world,” he said.
One of the participants praised the event, saying it was “very well organised and conducted with so much positive energy.” They expressed deep appreciation for the VKY team’s inclusive approach and the lasting impact of Guruji’s teachings, especially on children. “The effort and love put in by Guruji and every member of the VKY team is commendable… The way you make yoga accessible for everyone, regardless of their level, is something I truly appreciate.”
The event concluded with gratitude to all volunteers, participants and the broader community, with the full video and message from the Consul General now available online.
WATCH VIDEO: Yoga for One Earth, One Health: Yoga is a must for everyone—a portal to a meaningful life: IDY2025
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