Dehradun: Pushkar Singh Dhami, the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, participated in the International Yoga Festival 2026 held at Ganga Resort, Muniki Reti in Tehri today. During the event, he emphasized yoga as a holistic way of life rather than just an exercise and encouraged the youth to integrate it into their daily routine.
Alongside the yoga festival, CM Dhami inaugurated the ‘Uttarakhand Khoj Yojana’, a new initiative aimed at connecting every village in the Garhwal region with tourism opportunities.
Yoga as a Way of Life for Youth
CM Dhami highlighted the importance of yoga in addressing fatigue and stress among young people in today’s fast-paced lifestyle. He said, “Yoga is India’s ancient spiritual heritage that connects the soul to the divine. Our sages laid a path that now serves as a global foundation for healthy living.”
He also acknowledged the role of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose efforts led to the United Nations recognizing June 21 as International Yoga Day in 2014. Today, yoga is practiced in over 180 countries worldwide.
Launch of Uttarakhand Khoj Yojana
The CM officially launched the Uttarakhand Khoj Yojana, which aims to promote tourism by linking every village in the Garhwal division to the tourism circuit. This initiative is expected to strengthen rural development while encouraging visitors to explore lesser-known destinations.
Promotion of Health and Ayurveda Initiatives
CM Dhami highlighted several steps taken by the state government to promote yoga, health, and Ayurveda:
- Yoga Policy 2025 has been formulated to encourage widespread adoption.
- ₹10 crore allocated to promote yoga and Ayurveda in the state.
- Establishment of 50-bed and 10-bed Ayush hospitals in each district.
- Operation of 300+ Ayushman Arogya centers providing healthcare services.
- E-Sanjeevani portal offering online Ayush consultations for citizens.
Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj and GMVN Managing Director Prateek Jain praised the event’s success. Over 2,500 registrations were recorded this year, with participation from 150 yoga organizations, including demonstrations by experts from Gurukul Kangri and other institutions.
Yoga Festival Strengthens Uttarakhand’s Global Identity
CM Dhami appreciated the role of the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) and the Tourism Department in promoting yoga over the last 35 years. He also highlighted Rishikesh’s recognition as the “Yoga Capital of the World”, emphasizing the state’s contribution to global health and wellness tourism.
This festival not only strengthens Uttarakhand’s reputation as a spiritual and wellness hub but also integrates health, culture, and rural tourism through initiatives like the Uttarakhand Khoj Yojana.
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