Chief Minister Dhami Participates in Mass Yoga Session at Banbasa, Calls for Making Yoga a Part of Daily Life
Thousands Join Chief Minister in Celebrating International Day of Yoga
Uttarakhand Committed to Becoming the Global Capital of Yoga and Wellness
Youth Urged to Adopt a Drug-Free, Disciplined, and Healthy Lifestyle
Banbasa, June 21, 2026: On the occasion of the 12th International Day of Yoga, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in a state-level yoga event held at Banbasa, where he performed yoga along with thousands of yoga practitioners, personnel of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), students, youth, women, and senior citizens. Extending his greetings to the people of the state on International Yoga Day, the Chief Minister described yoga as the foundation of a healthy, balanced, and fulfilling life.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that it was a matter of immense pride and happiness for him to practice yoga with the people of the region on the sacred land of Maa Sharda. He expressed gratitude to all yoga instructors, practitioners, volunteers, and organizers for successfully conducting the event.
He emphasized that yoga is not merely a form of physical exercise but a holistic way of life that establishes harmony between the mind, body, and soul. Yoga, he said, provides mental stability, inner peace, and positive energy, enabling individuals to lead balanced and successful lives.
The Chief Minister noted that in today’s fast-paced world, challenges such as stress, depression, and unhealthy lifestyles are becoming increasingly common. In such circumstances, yoga and pranayama serve as effective natural remedies. Regular practice enhances immunity, improves mental concentration, and promotes overall physical and emotional well-being.
He further stated that yoga has emerged as a powerful medium for connecting humanity across the globe and has helped spread the essence of Indian culture and philosophy. Through yoga, the timeless Indian ideals of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (The World is One Family) and “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, Sarve Santu Niramayah” (May All Be Happy, May All Be Free from Illness) have gained global recognition.
The Chief Minister credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for giving yoga worldwide prominence. He noted that due to the Prime Minister’s efforts, the International Day of Yoga has become a global movement, with millions of people across more than 190 countries embracing yoga as a way of life.
Uttarakhand: A Land of Yoga, Spirituality, and Meditation
Chief Minister Dhami said that Uttarakhand has long been recognized as a land of yoga, spirituality, meditation, and ancient wisdom. The state government is committed to establishing Uttarakhand as the Global Capital of Yoga and Wellness and is continuously working towards this vision.
He highlighted that the state has introduced the country’s first dedicated Yoga Policy, under which a subsidy of up to ₹20 lakh is being provided for the establishment of yoga and meditation centers. Additionally, grants of up to ₹10 lakh are available to encourage research and academic studies in yoga, meditation, and naturopathy.
The Chief Minister also informed that five new yoga hubs are being developed across the state and yoga services are being integrated into all Ayush Health and Wellness Centres to ensure wider accessibility.
Sharda Corridor to Emerge as a Major Spiritual and Tourism Destination
The Chief Minister stated that organizing the state-level Yoga Day event at Banbasa was aimed at promoting the banks of the Sharda River as a center for yoga, meditation, and spiritual practices.
He said that the state government is developing the ambitious Sharda Corridor Project to transform the region into a major spiritual, cultural, and tourism destination. The project, being developed at an estimated cost of ₹3,300 crore, includes the construction of the Sharda Riverfront and the development of various religious, cultural, and tourist sites between Tanakpur and Banbasa.
He further informed that redevelopment works at Sharda Ghat, costing ₹179 crore, have already commenced under the first phase of the project.
Special Message for the Youth
Chief Minister Dhami urged young people to make yoga an integral part of their daily routine rather than limiting it to a single day of observance. He encouraged them to stay away from substance abuse and adopt a healthy, disciplined, and positive lifestyle.
He said that yoga not only strengthens the body but also enhances mental resilience, self-confidence, and emotional balance. The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the people of Uttarakhand would actively contribute to realizing the state’s vision of becoming a globally recognized hub for yoga and wellness.
The event was attended by Cabinet Minister and District In-Charge Minister Bharat Chaudhary, District Panchayat Chairman Anand Singh Adhikari, Secretary to the Chief Minister and Kumaon Commissioner Deepak Rawat, Ayush Secretary Ranjana Rajguru, Kumaon IG Nivedita Kukreti, Champawat District Magistrate Manish Kumar, Superintendent of Police Rekha Yadav, Udham Singh Nagar District Magistrate Nitin Singh Bhadauria, Senior Superintendent of Police Ajay Ganpati, Chief Development Officer Dr. G.S. Khati, along with public representatives, officials, and a large number of local residents.
