Nainital: Reaffirming the state government’s commitment to promoting traditional medicine and wellness tourism, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday inaugurated the international conference PGICON-2025 at Kaya Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital, Bhujiaghat, in Nainital district.
The three-day event has been organized by the Pal Group of Institutes, Haldwani, in collaboration with the WHO Collaborating Centre for Emergency and Trauma Care, JPNATC, and AIIMS New Delhi.
Addressing scholars, experts, and delegates, the Chief Minister said that Ayurveda is far more than a medical science—it represents India’s timeless philosophy of harmonious living.
“Ayurveda is not just medicine; it is the foundation of our philosophy of life,” he said.
“Our goal is to make Uttarakhand a global hub for Ayurveda and naturopathy.”
Ayurveda’s Rising Global Footprint
Dhami said that Ayurveda has received unprecedented international recognition since the establishment of the Ministry of AYUSH under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Uttarakhand, with its rich biodiversity and ancient healing traditions, is poised to lead this global resurgence.
He added that the government is working to build Uttarakhand as a Global Centre of Ayurveda, Yoga, and Holistic Wellness. Ayurvedic colleges, research institutions, yoga villages, and naturopathy centers in the state are being strengthened to enhance education, innovation, and health tourism.
State to Establish Two Economic Spiritual Zones
In a major announcement, the Chief Minister declared that the state will soon develop two Economic Spiritual Zones—one each in the Garhwal and Kumaon regions.
These zones will promote industries related to:
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Yoga
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Ayurveda
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Meditation
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Spiritual tourism
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Traditional medicine
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Wellness-based entrepreneurship
Dhami noted that these zones will foster a new model of spiritual and wellness economy, generating employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for the youth.
Ayurveda as Cultural Heritage
Union Minister of State and MP Ajay Bhatt said that the Modi government has undertaken several landmark initiatives to expand AYUSH and Ayurveda globally. He noted that Ayurveda is a priceless part of India’s cultural heritage and must be made universally accessible.
MLA Banshidhar Bhagat emphasized that Ayurveda is deeply intertwined with India’s civilizational knowledge system and everyday life. Hosting a major international conference in a state abundant in medicinal flora like Uttarakhand, he said, is a significant step toward inspiring research and innovation in the field.
Dignitaries in Attendance
The event was attended by:
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MLA Nainital Sarita Arya
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MLA Bhimtal Ram Singh Kaida
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Mandi Parishad Chairman Anil Kapoor (Dabbu)
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Minister of State (Independent Charge) Shankar Koranga
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Naveen Verma
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Kumaon Commissioner Deepak Rawat
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IG Kumaon Riddhim Agarwal
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District Magistrate Nainital Lalit Mohan Raiyal
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SSP Nainital Manjunath T.C.
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Senior members of the Pal Group
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Public representatives and officials
The conference aims to foster dialogue, research, and collaboration in Ayurvedic medicine, making Uttarakhand a leading destination for global wellness seekers.
