International Yoga Day:
Garhwal Post Bureau
BHARARISAIN (GAIRSAIN), 21 Jun: Uttarakhand formally launched its Yoga Policy from here on Saturday with Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami declaring that the state would be developed into a global capital of yoga and wellness. Addressing the gathering during the 11th International Yoga Day celebration at the Vidhan Sabha premises in Gairsain, the CM announced the establishment of one Spiritual Economic Zone each in the Garhwal and Kumaon regions to promote yoga, Ayurveda, spiritual tourism, and natural medicine.
The day commenced with a collective Yoga session, where Dhami along with performed Asanas alongside Yoga guru Swami Bharat Bhushan and representatives from eight countries. The session began with the sounding of conch shells and chanting of Vedic mantras, adding a spiritual ambience to the picturesque surroundings of the summer capital. A booklet outlining the state’s new Yoga Policy was also unveiled on this occasion, and a symbolic apple sapling was planted as part of the ‘Ek Vriksh, Yog Ke Naam’ initiative.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion, the CM asserted that the government would develop two new towns in the hill areas of the state as global centres for Yoga, Ayurveda, and spirituality. These towns would host global wellness institutions, spiritual leaders, and wellness groups to establish Uttarakhand’s unique identity on the world map. Highlighting the role of foreign dignitaries, he expressed confidence that their participation would contribute to globalising the yoga heritage of Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand.
Dhami reiterated that Uttarakhand is not only the land of gods but also the spiritual heartland of yoga. Inspired by the Prime Minister, the state has become the first in the country to adopt a formal Yoga Policy for 2025. Under this policy, a subsidy of up to Rs 20 lakh will be extended to develop Yoga and meditation centres, along with grants of Rs 10 lakh for research in Yoga, meditation, and natural medicine. The state aims to establish five Yoga hubs by 2030 and ensure the availability of Yoga services at all Ayush Health and Wellness Centres by March 2026.
Emphasising the mental, physical, and spiritual benefits of Yoga, the CM described it as a bridge that unites mind, body, and soul. Yoga, he said, fosters inner peace and focus while alleviating stress and promoting positivity. He added that Yoga has grown beyond caste, language, religion, or borders, serving as a universal philosophy and a thread of global harmony and brotherhood. He credited the Prime Minister’s visionary leadership for elevating Yoga to the international stage, making it a unifying mantra for humanity.
The CM further shared that his government is taking resolute steps under the Prime Minister’s guidance to counter migration and create local employment. Several schemes are under implementation to strengthen the local economy and boost tourism. A Strategic Advisory Committee has been constituted to support innovation for social and economic upliftment and increase self-employment at the grassroots level. He added that efforts are ongoing to match skill development with job opportunities for youth in the hills.
Before the main event, the CM also interacted with students and local residents at Bhararisain, enquiring about their well-being and encouraging them to incorporate Yoga into their daily routines for a healthy life. The students enthusiastically responded to his presence, making the atmosphere even more vibrant.
The ceremony also witnessed the presence of international dignitaries, including Federico Salas, Ambassador of Mexico; Ricardo Daniel Delgado from the Mexican Embassy; Jagannath Sami from Fiji; Shankar Prasad Sharma from Nepal; Arunkumar Hardien from Suriname; Dambajawin Gambold from Mongolia; Marks Ditons from Latvia; Lakshmendra Geshan Disnayake from Sri Lanka; Kristina Ananina and Katerina Lazareva from Russia. Also in attendance were Anil Nautiyal, Vinay Ruhela, Dipendra Kumar Chaudhary, Vinay Shankar Pandey, Banshidhar Tiwari, Sandeep Tiwari, Sarvesh Panwar, and other senior officials and guests.
