Dehradun: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in the ‘Run for Yoga’ event organized at MKP College, Dehradun, on Sunday. In a symbolic gesture to promote awareness about yoga, the Chief Minister marched alongside youth, women, and senior citizens from Gandhi Park to MKP College.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister encouraged people to actively participate in the upcoming International Yoga Day on June 21, emphasizing the need to take India’s ancient yoga tradition to a global audience. “Our sages developed the extraordinary discipline of yoga to harmonize the body, mind, and soul — a knowledge system that continues to gain worldwide recognition,” he said.
Describing yoga as a means of achieving physical and mental well-being, the Chief Minister added that it also instills discipline and positivity in everyday life.
He highlighted the international significance of yoga, noting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposal to observe International Yoga Day was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly, marking yoga as a vital part of India’s global cultural identity.
The Chief Minister also spoke about the state government’s ongoing efforts to develop Uttarakhand as a hub of yoga, AYUSH, and spiritual wellness. Referring to the newly approved Uttarakhand Yoga Policy, he announced several key initiatives:
Subsidy up to ₹20 lakh for establishing yoga and meditation centers in the state.
Operational incentives for existing yoga centers.
Grants up to ₹10 lakh to support research in yoga, meditation, and naturopathy.
He noted that Uttarakhand holds vast potential for yoga and wellness tourism, and reiterated the state’s commitment to positioning itself as a global center for yoga and spiritual healing. He also urged citizens to embrace a disciplined and healthy lifestyle.
Several prominent personalities were present at the event, including MLA Khajan Das, Bharat Chaudhary, State Sports Council Vice President Hemraj Bisht, AYUSH Secretary Dipendra Chaudhary, Additional Secretary Vijay Kumar Jogdande, Pradeep Jain, and Jitendra Negi.
