Acclaimed Australian short film Namaste Yoga has been released free on YouTube worldwide ahead of International Yoga Day on June 21, 2026, bringing a timely story of identity, culture, and belonging to global audiences.
Written and directed by Ravi Chand, the family film was previously broadcast nationally in Australia on abc.net.au� and iview.abc.net.au�. It is now available globally through YouTube, allowing viewers around the world to experience its powerful message.
The release coincides with preparations for the 12th International Day of Yoga, observed annually on June 21. Established by the United Nations in 2014 following a proposal by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the day celebrates yoga’s physical, mental, and spiritual benefits while acknowledging its origins in India.
Across Australia, community yoga sessions, wellness events, and public celebrations are being organised in cities including Melbourne and Sydney to mark the occasion.
Against this backdrop, Namaste Yoga offers a deeper reflection on yoga’s cultural significance.
The film follows Shiv, a 10-year-old boy who feels embarrassed about his Indian and Hindu heritage. After a fight at school, he is required to attend lunchtime yoga classes led by Miss Blanche, a self-described yoga “guru,” to avoid suspension. Through humour, family storytelling, and emotional insight, the film explores themes of identity, assimilation, and cultural heritage.
At a time when yoga has become a multi-billion-dollar global wellness industry, Namaste Yoga raises important questions about what happens when an ancient spiritual practice is disconnected from its cultural roots and repackaged as a commercial product.
The film also resonates with broader conversations surrounding International Yoga Day. While the observance celebrates yoga’s universal appeal, many members of the Indian and Hindu diaspora have called for greater recognition of yoga’s Indian origins and spiritual foundations.
For migrant families, particularly children growing up in Western societies, the story reflects the challenge of balancing cultural heritage with the desire to fit in.
The United Nations describes yoga as an ancient physical, mental, and spiritual practice originating in India. The word “yoga” comes from Sanskrit and means “to unite” or “to join,” symbolising harmony between body, mind, and consciousness.
Namaste Yoga has received praise from audiences, critics, and Hindu organisations for its thoughtful portrayal of yoga, Hindu identity, and cultural belonging.
The film has also earned international recognition, screening at major festivals including the Māoriland Film Festival, the Chicago International Children’s Film Festival, the Cleveland International Film Festival, the Tasveer South Asian Film Festival, and the San Diego International Kids Film Festival. Lead actor Emil Jayan received the Best Leading Actor Award at the San Diego festival.
Chand said the decision to release the film free of charge was driven by a desire to give back to the community.
“Everyone from the community has commented on the level of detail and lived experience reflected in the film,” he said.
“This wasn’t by accident. We collaborated closely with Hindu, yoga, and Bharatanatyam elders and acharyas throughout the creative process.”
Since its launch in 2015, International Yoga Day has grown into one of India’s most influential cultural initiatives, with large-scale yoga events taking place across the world, including in New York, Paris, Beijing, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, and New Delhi.
For Chand, Namaste Yoga is ultimately a story about children from migrant backgrounds learning to value and embrace the traditions that shape their identity.
As yoga once again takes centre stage globally, the film serves as a reminder that its future remains closely connected to its origins.
Namaste Yoga is now available free worldwide on YouTube. More information and screening links can be found at warriortribefilms.com�.
The United Nations will mark the 12th International Day of Yoga with a special event at its headquarters in New York City on June 18, 2026, organised by India’s Permanent Mission to the UN in collaboration with the UN Secretariat.