Calls Yoga the Soul of India’s Heritage and a Symbol of Soft Power
DEHRADUN: President Draupadi Murmu inaugurated the 11th International Yoga Day celebrations in Dehradun, emphasizing Yoga as the soul of India’s consciousness and a powerful symbol of its soft power. In her address, she underscored Yoga’s role in connecting individuals, communities, and even nations, calling it a global bridge of wellness and harmony.
“Yoga embodies the spirit of Prevention is better than cure,” the President remarked, urging people to adopt Yoga as a way of life. “When an individual is healthy, the family stays healthy, and when families are healthy, the entire nation prospers,” she added. She also appealed to all institutions to make Yoga accessible to the masses.
Governor Highlights India’s Ancient Wisdom
Extending his best wishes to the people on this occasion, Governor Lt. General Gurmeet Singh (Retd.) said that Yoga is not merely a physical activity but a holistic process of uniting body, mind, and soul. He highlighted Yoga as a path of self-discipline and inner peace, rooted in India’s ancient cultural and spiritual traditions.
The Governor credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts for transforming Yoga into a global movement. “It is a proud moment for India that the world is adopting this timeless tradition,” he said.
He added that this year’s theme, Yoga for One Earth, One Health, is a reflection of India’s eternal ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the world is one family. “Our health, environment, and social fabric are all deeply connected,” he emphasized. He also urged the youth to integrate Yoga into their daily lives and contribute to building a healthier nation.
Uttarakhand Launches India’s First Yoga Policy
On this occasion, Uttarakhand Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal presented the key highlights of the Yoga Policy–2025, the first such policy in India, developed under the guidance of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.
He said the policy aims to establish Uttarakhand as a hub for Yoga entrepreneurship, research, and innovation. Key features of the policy include:
Capital grant of up to ₹20 lakh for establishing yoga and meditation centers.
Research grant of up to ₹10 lakh to promote Yoga-related research.
Reimbursement for yoga research and honorarium support in existing institutions.
Preference for certifications obtained from the Yoga Certification Board.
Establishment of a dedicated Directorate of Yoga to oversee implementation.
Vision for the Future
The minister outlined the ambitious targets set under the policy:
Establishment of at least five new Yoga hubs in Uttarakhand by 2030.
Integration of Yoga services in all AYUSH Health and Wellness Centers by March 2026.
Community-based mindfulness programs tailored to different age groups, genders, and communities.
100% registration of Yoga institutions in the state.
Launch of a special online Yoga platform for accessibility and outreach.
Partnerships with 15–20 national and international Yoga institutions by March 2028.
He concluded by expressing confidence that the policy will bridge the state’s ancient spiritual wisdom with modern opportunities, turning Uttarakhand into a global capital of Yoga and wellness.
