Health Update: Yoga beyond borders: soft power through wellness – What Experts Say

An evening in Carthage: yoga as a bridge

The sun was still rising above Tunis Capital when the Esplanade of Carthage Museum came alive with the sound of steady breath and flowing movement. Dozens of Tunisians and expats, young and old, women and men, gathered together on yoga mats spread across the archeological site atop Byrsa Hill. Guided by gentle instructions, they moved in unison, their arms reaching skyward, their bodies grounded yet open. It was June 21st, International Day of Yoga, and for the first time since her appointment, India’s Ambassador to Tunisia,
Her Excellency Dr. Devyani Khobragade, was leading the celebration. For her, this was not just another diplomatic event. It was a moment of profound connection, a reminder that diplomacy can unfold not only in negotiation halls, but also on a yoga mat, where cultures meet in breath, stillness, and shared humanity.

As a medical doctor turned diplomat, Dr. Khobragade brings a unique perspective to her role. To her, the essence of diplomacy is not so different from the practice of medicine: both are about creating balance, healing wounds, and nurturing resilience. Now, in Tunisia, she envisions yoga and Ayurveda as powerful tools of cultural diplomacy, India’s gift to the world, capable of uniting communities across continents.

Cultural diplomacy: building bonds beyond politics

When asked about her vision for India–Tunisia relations, Dr. Khobragade is quick to highlight the importance of cultural diplomacy. “It plays a vital role in bringing people together beyond politics or economics,” she explains. “Through shared traditions, festivals, and values like family, hospitality, and wellness, we create bonds that are human, lasting, and meaningful.” India and Tunisia may be separated by geography, but they share the common ground of ancient civilizations. Both nations value family ties, hospitality, and community well-being. These shared values provide fertile soil for deeper cooperation, rooted not only in government agreements but also in people-to-people connections. Diplomacy often makes headlines when treaties are signed or trade agreements sealed. Yet, cultural diplomacy which includes art, food, language, wellness, shapes the daily texture of international relations. It is less visible, but often more enduring. Festivals, student exchanges, and joint cultural initiatives create emotional memories that outlast political terms.

For India, cultural diplomacy has long been a cornerstone of soft power. From Bollywood films to Indian cuisine, from classical dance to spirituality, its cultural heritage resonates across borders. In Tunisia, yoga is emerging as one of the most powerful connectors, embodying the values of mindfulness, balance, and compassion.

Yoga and ayurveda: India’s global gifts

Few traditions have travelled across the globe with the same impact as yoga. Recognized by the United Nations since 2014 with the proclamation of June 21 as the International Day of Yoga, the practice has become a worldwide symbol of unity and well-being. “Yoga and Ayurveda are India’s gifts to the world,” Dr. Khobragade emphasizes. “They transcend language and borders, offering universal tools for peace, balance, and harmony.” Indeed, yoga is practiced today in over 190 countries, from bustling metropolises to small
rural communities. Its appeal lies in its simplicity: no special equipment is required, only breath, body, and presence. Yet its effects are profound — reducing stress, improving health, and nurturing inner calm. Ayurveda, yoga’s sister science, adds another dimension, offering holistic approaches to diet, lifestyle, and preventive healthcare.

For Dr. Khobragade, these practices are not just abstract cultural exports. They are part of her daily life. A certified yoga teacher herself, she integrates yoga, meditation, and Ayurveda into her routine. “Yoga helps me stay grounded and centered, both physically and mentally,” she shares. “Meditation has been a powerful tool for managing stress and cultivating clarity. Even a few minutes a day helps me reset and approach situations with more patience, presence, and compassion.” Ayurveda, too, shapes her personal approach to wellness. By aligning her meals with her dosha and daily rhythms, she has found greater balance and energy. These practices, she says, are more than lifestyle choices, they are guiding principles that support conscious
living, in tune with both oneself and the wider world. As an ambassador, she also sees their diplomatic potential. When people in Tunisia gather to practice yoga, they are not just exercising; they are partaking in a centuries-old tradition that embodies peace and interconnectedness. This shared experience becomes a form of soft diplomacy, one that builds bridges of empathy where formal agreements may struggle.

From medicine to diplomacy: healing at different scales

Before entering the world of diplomacy, Dr. Khobragade trained and practiced as a medical doctor. That background, she says, profoundly influences how she leads today. “Both medicine and diplomacy are about bringing harmony and homoeostasis — one to the body and the other to the polity and society.”
In medicine, she learned the importance of preventive care, empathy, and resilience. Diplomacy, though operating on a broader canvas, requires the same qualities. Healing a patient and healing a community both demand careful listening, an understanding of complexity, and a commitment to dignity. Her medical training also instilled in her an appreciation for holistic solutions. Just as doctors treat not only symptoms but also underlying causes, diplomats must look beyond immediate disputes to address root issues — inequality, lack of opportunity, or absence of dialogue. This perspective aligns naturally with yoga and Ayurveda, which emphasize balance, prevention, and interconnectedness. Her career journey reflects a broader truth: leadership, whether in medicine or diplomacy, is about service. It is about placing human well-being at the center, whether that human is a single patient or an entire society.

Women leading change

Throughout history, women have played crucial roles in nurturing peace, wellness, and cultural continuity. Yet their leadership has often been overlooked or undervalued. Dr. Khobragade is passionate about changing that narrative. “Women have historically led efforts in wellness, peace-building, and diplomacy,” she
affirms. “I commend Tunisian women for their strength and vision which are transforming
societies and inspiring future generations.” Tunisia has long been recognized for its progressive approach to women’s rights in the Arab world. Tunisian women today are leaders in education, civil society, entrepreneurship, and politics. Their resilience and creativity mirror the struggles and triumphs of women globally. Dr. Khobragade’s message to women striving for impact is clear: “Continue to shatter glass
ceilings and challenge limitations. Believe in your inner strength because your courage paves the way for a more inclusive and compassionate world.”

Her vision extends beyond token representation. She advocates for women’s leadership in all spheres — not only in politics and business, but also in culture, wellness, and diplomacy. For her, when women lead, societies become more compassionate, collaborative, and sustainable. On International Women’s Day, she shared her hope for the future: “I envision a world where women’s wisdom is not just included, but celebrated at every level of global exchange.” International Day of Yoga in Tunisia: A Celebration of Unity. The International Day of Yoga in Tunis was not merely a ceremonial occasion. For participants, it was a lived experience of connection. Under the soft summer sky, as bodies stretched into postures and voices joined in chants of peace, differences of language and background seemed to dissolve. For the Ambassador, the event symbolized the essence of yoga as a bridge. “It wasn’t just about physical postures — it was about community, awareness, and shared values,” she recalls. “It reminded me of how yoga serves as a soft power that unites rather than divides, that brings individuals and societies together towards a common goal of peace.”

The celebration drew attention not only from yoga practitioners but also from Tunisians curious about Indian culture. Many participants were experiencing yoga for the first time, discovering in its movements a sense of calm and vitality. The presence of youth and women was especially significant, highlighting the growing appeal of wellness practices among Tunisia’s younger generations.

India and Tunisia: a shared future in wellness and culture

Beyond symbolic events, the Embassy of India in Tunis is working on initiatives that deepen collaboration in wellness, health, and education. These include supporting the training of local yoga teachers, promoting Ayurveda-based wellness retreats, and facilitating cultural exchange programs. “These initiatives are rooted in India’s ancient philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — the world is one family,” says Dr. Khobragade. The goal is not merely to showcase Indian culture but to offer tools for health and self-empowerment that can be adapted locally. Tunisia, with its rich traditions of healing, music, and spirituality, is an ideal partner. The
country’s growing interest in wellness provides fertile ground for innovative collaborations. Imagine Tunisian–Indian wellness festivals, Ayurveda-infused spa tourism, or exchange programs where young Tunisian practitioners train in India’s yoga institutes and return to share their knowledge. Such initiatives, the Ambassador believes, can create long-term cultural partnerships, strengthening ties between the two nations not only at the state level but also in the everyday lives of their people.

Inspiring the next generation

For any vision to endure, youth must be at its heart. Dr. Khobragade sees young people as natural ambassadors of cultural diplomacy. “We must involve youth by enhancing people-to-people contact and giving them platforms — student exchanges, digital campaigns, wellness festivals,” she explains. Youth, she argues, are open, creative, and inclusive. When they engage with practices like yoga or cultural exchange, they bring innovation and fresh energy. In a world where digital connections transcend geography, young Tunisians and Indians have unprecedented opportunities to collaborate, share, and learn from one another. Empowering youth with knowledge and opportunity, she insists, ensures that traditions like yoga are not preserved as relics but carried forward as living, evolving practices.

A vision of balance and compassion

As our conversation draws to a close, one theme keeps returning: balance. For Dr. Khobragade, balance is the essence of yoga, of medicine, of diplomacy. It is about aligning body and mind, individual and society, culture and world. Her vision for the future is clear: a world where women’s wisdom is celebrated, youth are
empowered, and cultural diplomacy flourishes as a force for peace. A world where yoga and Ayurveda are not just seen as traditions, but as pathways to a more conscious, compassionate, and interconnected humanity.
In Tunisia, as elsewhere, the practice of yoga reminds us of something essential: that diplomacy, like life, is not only about negotiations and strategies, but also about breath, stillness, and presence. In a divided world, these are the bridges we need most.