Rishikesh: 5 New Yoga Hubs Being Established in Uttarakhand : CM Dhami
- Provisions have been made for a subsidy of up to ₹20 lakh to develop Yoga and Meditation Centers in the state, and a grant of up to ₹10 lakh for research activities: CM Dhami
- State Government has implemented the country’s first “Yoga Policy 2025” with the aim of establishing Uttarakhand as the global capital of yoga
- The Chief Minister Dhami stated that AYUSH Wellness Centers and Naturopathy Centers are also being continuously promoted
Rishikesh: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami today participated in the 38th International Yoga Festival held at Parmarth Niketan in Rishikesh—the ‘Yoga City.’ On this occasion, he extended a warm welcome and greetings to the yoga practitioners, yoga masters, and dignitaries who had arrived from across the country and abroad to the ‘Devbhumi’ (Land of Gods), Uttarakhand. In his address, the Chief Minister stated that it was his immense privilege to have the opportunity to participate in this grand International Yoga Festival. The Chief Minister remarked that participating in the divine *Aarti* of Mother Ganga and offering oblations into the sacred *Yajna* (ritual fire ceremony)—organized for the welfare of the world—was a matter of profound good fortune for him.
The Chief Minister stated that Yoga is an ancient and noble discipline that originated from the sacred land of India—a discipline that millions of people across the globe are today making an integral part of their lives. He emphasized that Yoga is not merely a form of physical exercise, but a universal science that establishes a balance between the mind, body, and soul, thereby bestowing inner peace. He noted that at a time when the world is grappling with stress, depression, and lifestyle-related ailments, Yoga serves as a “natural healing system,” offering spiritual tranquility and equilibrium. Through the practice of *Yogasana* and *Pranayama*, the body and mind can be relieved of stress, while immunity and concentration are significantly enhanced. The Chief Minister asserted that Yoga has transcended the boundaries of caste, language, religion, and geography to unite human society, effectively conveying the messages of *Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam* (The World is One Family) and *Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah* (May All Be Happy) to the entire world.
He further recalled that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had proposed to the United Nations that June 21st be observed as International Yoga Day; as a result of this initiative, Yoga is today being widely practiced in over 180 countries. The Chief Minister concluded by stating that Uttarakhand is not merely the ‘Devbhumi’ (Land of Gods), but also the true land of Yoga and Spirituality. The state’s natural beauty and pristine environment are exceptionally conducive to the practice of yoga. With this vision in mind, the State Government has implemented the country’s first “Yoga Policy 2025” with the aim of establishing Uttarakhand as the global capital of yoga. He informed that provisions have been made for subsidies of up to ₹20 lakh for the development of yoga and meditation centers, as well as grants of up to ₹10 lakh for research activities. Additionally, five new yoga hubs are being established, and yoga services are being ensured across all AYUSH Health and Wellness Centers.
The Chief Minister stated that AYUSH Wellness Centers and Naturopathy Centers are also being continuously promoted. More than 300 ‘Ayushman Arogya Kendras’ (Health and Wellness Centers) are currently operational in the state, and AYUSH hospitals—featuring capacities of 50 and 10 beds—are being established in every district. Furthermore, AYUSH consultations are being provided by experts through the ‘e-Sanjeevani’ portal. He noted that the ‘Uttarakhand AYUSH Policy’ is fostering the growth of pharmaceutical manufacturing, wellness, education, research, and the cultivation of medicinal plants. Additionally, a budgetary allocation of ₹10 crore has been made for the establishment of one ‘Spiritual Economic Zone’ each in the Garhwal and Kumaon divisions. The Chief Minister expressed his delight that renowned yoga masters from both India and abroad are sharing their knowledge and experiences at this festival, and that sessions are being organized covering Hatha Yoga, Raja Yoga, Karma Yoga, and Bhakti Yoga, alongside meditation, Pranayama, and naturopathy.
He remarked that, for the past 80 years, Parmarth Niketan has been dedicated to the mission of uniting the world through Indian culture, yoga, and spirituality. The Chief Minister expressed his confidence that, in the current global scenario, this festival will play a pivotal role in inspiring humanity to follow the path of peace and harmony through the mediums of yoga, Pranayama, and spirituality. Dignitaries present at the event included Swami Chidanand Saraswati and Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati from Parmarth Niketan, singer Kailash Kher, as well as yoga masters, yoga instructors, and tourists hailing from various countries. CM Dhami came straight to Parmarth Niketan, rishikesh from Gairsain Budget Session
