A Grand Cultural Showcase of Uttarakhand on the Eve of International Yoga Day
Bhararisain, Gairsain – Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami extended a warm welcome to foreign diplomats and eminent yoga gurus who gathered in Bhararisain on Friday evening for the special event organized on the eve of International Yoga Day. The venue—usually active only during Assembly sessions—came alive with vibrant cultural displays and a spirit of global wellness collaboration.
The Chief Minister greeted delegates from Mexico, Fiji, Nepal, Suriname, Mongolia, Latvia, Sri Lanka, and Russia, presenting each of them with a symbolic souvenir and the traditional Uttarakhandi cap, reflecting the state’s rich heritage and hospitality.
In his address, Chief Minister Dhami proudly declared Devbhoomi Uttarakhand as the global capital of Yoga and AYUSH, emphasizing its unique Himalayan environment, pure climate, and spiritual significance, making it an ideal destination for meditation and wellness. He highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s global initiative, stating that International Yoga Day, celebrated annually on June 21, was adopted by the United Nations in 2014 with the support of 177 countries following the PM’s call.
Referring to the Prime Minister’s declaration of this decade as “the Decade of Uttarakhand” from the sacred land of Kedarnath, the Chief Minister said it serves as a roadmap and inspiration for the state’s development, especially in the wellness sector.
He underlined the government’s commitment to developing Uttarakhand as a global hub of Yoga, Ayurveda, and Panchkarma, leveraging its vast repository of Himalayan herbs and medicinal plants like Kutki, Jatamansi, and Timur. The state, he noted, has been home to sages, yogis, and vaidyas for centuries, with Ayurvedic institutions such as Rishikul and Gurukul Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya preserving and advancing traditional knowledge.
Highlighting the state’s potential in wellness entrepreneurship, the Chief Minister said Uttarakhand can become a leader in the global herbal supply chain and Ayurvedic product manufacturing. He also emphasized the possibility of international collaboration for research, innovation, and trade in traditional medicine and preventive healthcare.
In addition, he spoke about Uttarakhand’s traditional superfoods—Mandua, Jhangora, Bhatt, Bichhu Ghas, and Kilmoda—which hold immense potential for global markets through value addition and sustainable packaging.
The evening unfolded with a mesmerizing cultural program, beginning with a representation of the sacred Nanda Devi Raj Jaat Yatra, followed by captivating folk dance performances, including Jhoda-Chhapeli, Nati, and other traditional Garhwali, Kumaoni, and Jaunsari dances, offering guests a vivid glimpse into the diverse culture of Uttarakhand.
Dignitaries Present:
Among the distinguished guests were:
Federico Salas, Ambassador of Mexico to India
Ricardo Daniel Delgado, Head of Economic Affairs, Mexican Embassy
Jagannath Sami, High Commissioner of Fiji
Dr. Shankar Prasad Sharma, Ambassador of Nepal
Arunkomar Hardian, Ambassador of Suriname
Dambajavin Gambold, Ambassador of Mongolia
Marks Deetons, Deputy Head of Mission, Latvian Embassy
Lakshmendra Geshan Dissanayake, Minister Counselor, Sri Lankan High Commission
Kristina Ananina and Katrina Lazareva, First and Third Secretaries, Russian Embassy
Also present were Padma Shri Yoga Guru Swami Bharat Bhushan, MLA Anil Nautiyal, senior officials including Secretary Dipendra Kumar Chaudhary, Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey, SDMA Vice President Dr. Vinay Ruhela, DG Information Bansidhar Tiwari, Chamoli District Magistrate Sandeep Tiwari, and Superintendent of Police Sarvesh Panwar.
