Bhararisain, the summer capital of Uttarakhand, marked a historic occasion on Friday as Chief Minister Mr. Pushkar Singh Dhami launched the state’s first-ever Yoga Policy on the 11th International Yoga Day. Declaring the state’s ambitious vision, Mr. Dhami stated, “Uttarakhand will be developed as the global capital of yoga and wellness.”
Spiritual Economic Zones in Garhwal and Kumaon
During his address, the Chief Minister announced the creation of one Spiritual Economic Zone each in the Garhwal and Kumaon regions with support from the Central Government. These zones will serve as international hubs for Ayurveda, Yoga, and spiritual tourism. He said these zones would promote employment and help check migration from hill districts.
Wellness Towns and Global Yoga Network
Mr. Dhami also announced plans to develop two modern towns focused on yoga and wellness, inviting global yoga instructors, Ayurvedic institutes, and spiritual leaders to participate in building an international yoga network. “Yoga in Every Home, Health for Every Person” was declared the guiding message of the policy.
Financial Incentives and Infrastructure Goals
The new Yoga Policy promises financial support to promote wellness infrastructure:
- Yoga and meditation centres will receive subsidies of up to Rs. 20 lakh.
- Research in yoga and naturopathy will be funded with grants up to Rs. 10 lakh.
- By March 2026, yoga services will be available at all AYUSH Health and Wellness Centres.
- By 2030, five new yoga hubs will be established across Uttarakhand.
The event witnessed the participation of diplomats and representatives from eight countries—Mexico, Nepal, Fiji, Mongolia, Suriname, Latvia, Sri Lanka, and Russia. They joined Chief Minister Mr. Dhami in performing yoga during the ceremony. The presence of yoga guru Padma Shri Swami Bharat Bhushan lent prestige to the celebrations.
Connecting Culture, Youth, and Global Unity
Prior to the event, Mr. Dhami interacted with students and locals, encouraging the youth to adopt yoga as a daily practice for better health. He called yoga a “philosophy of life” that transcends caste, religion, and nationality, and praised Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi for elevating yoga as a global unifying force.
A Cultural and Policy Epicentre
Highlighting Bhararisain’s cultural and natural significance, the Chief Minister noted that it is fast becoming a hub not just for policy-making but also for yoga and spirituality.
The event was also attended by Cabinet Minister Dr. Dhan Singh Rawat, Mexico’s Ambassador Mr. Federico Salas, Nepal’s Ambassador Dr. Shankar Prasad Sharma, senior diplomats from other participating nations, Chamoli District Magistrate Mr. Sandeep Tiwari (2017-batch IAS officer), SP Mr. Sarvesh Panwar (2019-batch IPS officer), and thousands of citizens and officials.
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