Bhararisain, Gairsain – Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami marked the 11th International Yoga Day with a grand celebration at the Vidhan Sabha premises in Bhararisain, Gairsain, where he formally launched Uttarakhand’s Yoga Policy and announced an ambitious vision to establish the state as the global capital of yoga and wellness.
The event began with the auspicious sounds of Shankhnaad and Vedic chanting. CM Dhami, joined by Padma Shri awardee Yoga Guru Swami Bharat Bhushan and delegates from eight nations, participated in a collective yoga session. The presence of foreign dignitaries brought a global dimension to the event, reflecting Uttarakhand’s growing prominence on the international wellness map.
Formal Launch of Yoga Policy 2025
In a significant move, the Chief Minister unveiled the Uttarakhand Yoga Policy 2025 by releasing an official booklet. The policy aims to institutionalize yoga across the state and promote wellness tourism. As part of the green initiative “Ek Vriksha, Yoga Ke Naam”, the CM also planted an apple sapling in the Assembly premises.
The Yoga Policy offers:
Subsidy up to ₹20 lakh for establishing yoga and meditation centers.
Research grants up to ₹10 lakh in yoga, meditation, and naturopathy.
Establishment of five new yoga hubs by 2030.
Expansion of yoga services to all AYUSH Health and Wellness Centers by March 2026.
Announcing a visionary roadmap, CM Dhami declared that Spiritual Economic Zones (SEZs) will be established in both Garhwal and Kumaon regions to boost spiritual, wellness, and medical tourism. He further announced the development of two new cities in the hill regions, designed as hubs of yoga, Ayurveda, and spirituality. “These centers will host global institutions, spiritual gurus, and wellness organizations,” the CM said, emphasizing the potential to elevate Uttarakhand’s global stature.
“The collective yoga practice with representatives of eight friendly nations is a strong step toward making Devbhoomi Uttarakhand a global capital of yoga and spirituality,” CM Dhami stated. He reiterated that yoga, rooted in India’s ancient traditions, has now become a universal philosophy of life—transcending language, religion, and national boundaries to unite humanity.
Praising the role of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the CM said, “Under the PM’s visionary leadership, yoga has gained global recognition and has become a mantra for human well-being and international unity.”
On tackling migration and unemployment, CM Dhami said the government is focused on creating local employment through innovation-driven policies. A Strategic Advisory Committee has been formed to promote self-employment and bolster the rural economy. “We aim to provide skill-based job opportunities to our youth in the hills,” he added.
Prior to the main event, CM Dhami interacted with students and local residents, sharing the importance of incorporating yoga into daily life. His warm engagement generated excitement among the youth, who eagerly welcomed the Chief Minister.
Distinguished Guests
The event witnessed the participation of several prominent dignitaries, including:
Federico Salas, Ambassador of Mexico to India
Dr. Shankar Prasad Sharma, Ambassador of Nepal to India
Arunkomar Hardian, Ambassador of Suriname
Dambajavin Gambold, Ambassador of Mongolia
Jagannath Sami, High Commissioner of Fiji
Ricardo Daniel Delgado, Head of Economic Affairs, Mexican Embassy
Marks Deetons, Deputy Head, Latvian Embassy
Lakshmendra Geshan Dissanayake, Minister Counselor, Sri Lanka High Commission
Kristina Ananina and Katrina Lazareva, Russian Embassy officials
Also present were Cabinet Minister Dr. Dhan Singh Rawat, MLA Anil Nautiyal, State Disaster Management Vice President Dr. Vinay Ruhela, Secretary Dipendra Kumar Chaudhary, Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey, Director General of Information Banshidhar Tiwari, Chamoli DM Sandeep Tiwari, and SP Sarvesh Panwar, among others.
