CM Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in the 38th International Yoga Festival at Parmarth Niketan in Rishikesh, highlighting Yoga Policy 2025, subsidies for yoga centres, and plans to develop Uttarakhand as the global capital of yoga.
Rishikesh: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in the International Yoga Festival at Parmarth Niketan in Rishikesh, where he described yoga as a universal science that promotes global peace, holistic health, and spiritual balance.
Addressing yoga practitioners, spiritual leaders, and guests from India and abroad, the Chief Minister extended a warm welcome to all participants visiting the sacred land of Uttarakhand. He said it was a matter of great honor and privilege for him to be part of such a grand international yoga gathering.
Dhami also expressed his joy at participating in the sacred Ganga Aarti and offering oblations in the holy yajna organized for global well-being, calling it a spiritually enriching experience.
Yoga: A Universal Path to Balance and Peace
The Chief Minister said yoga is an ancient and profound tradition that originated in India and has now become an integral part of the lives of millions of people across the world. He emphasized that yoga is not merely a physical exercise but a holistic science that harmonizes the mind, body, and soul, leading to inner peace and mental clarity.
He noted that in today’s fast-paced world, where stress, depression, and lifestyle-related diseases are increasing, yoga has emerged as a powerful natural healing system. Through practices such as yoga asanas, pranayama, and meditation, individuals can relieve stress, strengthen immunity, and improve concentration.
Yoga Connecting the World
Chief Minister Dhami stated that yoga has transcended boundaries of caste, language, religion, and geography, uniting humanity under the shared ideals of harmony and well-being. He added that yoga has helped spread India’s timeless message of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” — the world is one family — and “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah” across the globe.
He also mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed observing June 21 as the International Day of Yoga at the United Nations, following which yoga is now widely practiced in more than 180 countries.
Uttarakhand’s Vision: Global Capital of Yoga
The Chief Minister highlighted that Uttarakhand is not only known as Devbhoomi (the Land of Gods) but also as a center of yoga and spirituality. The state’s natural beauty, serene environment, and spiritual heritage make it an ideal destination for yoga and meditation practices.
With this vision, the state government has implemented the Yoga Policy 2025, the first of its kind in India, aimed at developing Uttarakhand into the global capital of yoga.
Under this policy, a subsidy of up to ₹20 lakh is being provided for the establishment of yoga and meditation centers, while grants of up to ₹10 lakh are available for yoga research projects. The government is also developing five new yoga hubs and ensuring yoga services in all AYUSH Health and Wellness Centres across the state.
Promoting AYUSH and Natural Healing
Dhami said the government is continuously strengthening AYUSH and naturopathy services. More than 300 Ayushman Arogya Centers are currently operating in the state, and AYUSH hospitals with capacities of 50 and 10 beds are being established in every district.
Additionally, expert AYUSH consultations are being provided through the e-Sanjeevani digital platform.
The Chief Minister added that through the Uttarakhand AYUSH Policy, the government is promoting pharmaceutical manufacturing, wellness tourism, education, research, and the cultivation of medicinal plants. The state budget has also allocated ₹10 crore for the establishment of Spiritual Economic Zones in both the Garhwal and Kumaon divisions.
A Global Platform for Yoga
Expressing happiness over the participation of renowned yoga masters from across the world, Dhami said the festival features various sessions on Hatha Yoga, Raja Yoga, Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, meditation, pranayama, and naturopathy.
He also acknowledged the contribution of Parmarth Niketan, which has been connecting the world through Indian culture, yoga, and spirituality for nearly 80 years.
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the festival will play a significant role in inspiring humanity toward peace, harmony, and well-being through yoga and spiritual wisdom.
Among those present at the event were Swami Chidanand Saraswati, Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati, renowned singer Kailash Kher, along with yoga masters, trainers, and tourists from various countries.
