Akhil Gore, Yoga Expert & Corporate Trainer
Yoga, a 5,000-year-old practice rooted in Indian culture, has become a global phenomenon. According to a 2022 report by Allied Market Research, the global yoga market is projected to reach $66.2 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 9.6% from 2021. However, this booming industry has led to a concerning trend: the migration of Indian yoga professionals to foreign countries. This exodus has implications for India’s economy, culture, and global influence.
The per capita income for yoga professionals in India significantly lags behind that in countries like the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. In India, a certified yoga instructor earns an average annual income of ₹4–5 lakh, while their counterparts in the U.S. earn between $50,000 and $70,000 annually. This stark difference—a nearly 10-fold gap—is a primary driver of migration.
Moreover, the global yoga industry is heavily concentrated in North America and Europe, which together accounted for over 60% of the market share in 2023. These regions offer higher wages, better infrastructure, and greater recognition for yoga professionals. Consequently, India, despite being the birthplace of yoga, is losing its skilled workforce to these lucrative markets. Projections suggest that by 2025, India could lose approximately $1 billion in potential revenue due to the migration of yoga professionals. The country’s inability to retain these professionals not only affects its economy but also its cultural heritage. According to a 2021 study by the Indian Yoga Association, only 20% of Indian yoga professionals find sustainable careers within the country, leading to a brain drain in the wellness sector.
India’s socialist roots emphasize equitable access to wellness and education, but this approach has struggled to compete with the capitalist market forces driving the global yoga industry. While India focuses on affordability, the West has commodified yoga, integrating it into lifestyle branding and high-income wellness tourism. This capitalist approach has enabled foreign countries to monetize yoga effectively, turning it into a billion-dollar industry.
Globally, approximately 300 million people practice yoga, with 36 million in the U.S. alone. In contrast, less than 10% of India’s population engages in regular yoga practice. This low participation rate in India is partly due to limited awareness and accessibility. A 2022 survey found that 60% of Indian yoga practitioners belong to middle- or upper-income groups, indicating a need for more inclusive outreach programs to expand yoga’s reach among economically disadvantaged communities.
According to Akhil Gore, the founder of Routein Yoga, the problem is not only economic disparity but also a lack of structured pathways for yoga professionals to thrive in India. “We need to create ecosystems where yoga instructors are not just teachers but entrepreneurs who can innovate and cater to the modern audience,” says Gore. He suggests integrating yoga with modern wellness technology and emphasizing its therapeutic applications to broaden its appeal. Such initiatives can help Indian yoga professionals find sustainable opportunities at home rather than seeking them abroad.
The Indian start-up market also presents a promising avenue to boost yoga’s domestic and global presence. Start-ups like SARVA and CureFit have already demonstrated the potential to blend traditional practices with modern business strategies. By leveraging technology, these ventures have made yoga accessible to urban millennials and global audiences alike. The start-up ecosystem, supported by government initiatives like “Startup India,” could play a pivotal role in retaining yoga professionals by providing platforms for innovation and collaboration.
However, there is still much to be done. Despite these efforts, the yoga industry in India lacks the financial incentives and world-class infrastructure that attract professionals to foreign shores. To address this issue, India must adopt a multifaceted approach. Increasing salaries for yoga professionals through government subsidies and partnerships with private wellness centers is one solution. Tax incentives for yoga businesses operating within India can also provide much-needed financial relief.
Developing state-of-the-art yoga institutes and wellness centers is another critical step. These facilities can attract global clientele and provide a platform for Indian yoga professionals to showcase their expertise. Investing in technology to provide online yoga services can also tap into the growing digital wellness market, which has seen exponential growth since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Promoting yoga as a cultural export is equally important. International yoga festivals and retreats hosted in India can showcase the country’s rich heritage and attract wellness tourism. Collaborating with global organizations to promote Indian yoga certifications can enhance their value worldwide, ensuring that Indian yoga professionals are recognized as the gold standard in the industry.
Increasing domestic participation in yoga is another key strategy. Nationwide campaigns to encourage yoga practice across all socioeconomic groups can make a significant impact. Integrating yoga into school curriculums can instill the habit from an early age, creating a generation that values wellness and mindfulness.
India also needs to adopt a balanced market approach. Combining socialist ideals with capitalist strategies can ensure equitable access while monetizing yoga’s global appeal. Encouraging public-private partnerships can create a sustainable yoga ecosystem that benefits both professionals and practitioners.
By addressing these challenges, India can not only retain its yoga professionals but also position itself as the global hub of wellness. A balanced approach—rooted in India’s socialist ethos yet embracing capitalist efficiencies—can bridge the gap between tradition and modernity. As Akhil Gore points out, “Yoga is more than a practice; it is a cultural ambassador for India. By empowering our professionals, we can share this gift with the world while ensuring its true essence remains intact.”
Policymakers, educators, and industry leaders must collaborate to harness yoga’s potential as both an economic driver and a cultural ambassador. The Indian start-up ecosystem, with its emphasis on innovation and technology, can serve as a catalyst for this transformation. By aligning economic policies with cultural preservation, India can create a thriving yoga industry that benefits its people and connects the globe with its true value. The time to act is now, and with a concerted effort, India can reclaim its rightful place as the leader of the global yoga movement.
