Dehradun, March 13: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in the 38th International Yoga Festival held at Parmarth Niketan in Rishikesh on Thursday. During the event, he welcomed yoga practitioners, instructors, and dignitaries from across the country and abroad to the divine land of Uttarakhand.
In his address, the Chief Minister expressed his immense fortune in being part of this grand international yoga festival. He stated that participating in the divine Ganga Aarti and offering prayers at the sacred Yajna for global welfare was a significant honor for him.
The Chief Minister emphasized that yoga is an ancient and profound discipline that originated from India’s sacred land, now embraced by millions worldwide. He noted that yoga is not just physical exercise; it is a universal science that establishes balance between the mind, body, and soul, providing spiritual peace.
He remarked that in a world grappling with stress, depression, and lifestyle-related diseases, yoga serves as a ‘natural healing system,’ offering peace and balance. Through yoga asanas and pranayama, individuals can relieve stress, enhance immunity, and improve concentration.
Dhami highlighted that yoga transcends boundaries of caste, language, religion, and geography, uniting humanity and spreading the messages of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” and “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah” globally.
He recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposal to celebrate International Yoga Day on June 21 at the United Nations, which has led to widespread yoga practice in over 180 countries today.
The Chief Minister asserted that Uttarakhand is not only a land of deities but also a hub for yoga and spirituality. The state’s natural beauty and pure environment are highly conducive to yoga practice. In this regard, the state government has implemented the country’s first ‘Yoga Policy 2025’ to establish Uttarakhand as the global capital of yoga.
He announced subsidies of up to 2 million rupees for developing yoga and meditation centers and grants of up to 1 million rupees for research activities. Additionally, five new yoga hubs are being established, and yoga services are being ensured at all AYUSH health and wellness centers.
The Chief Minister mentioned ongoing support for AYUSH wellness centers and naturopathy centers. Over 300 Ayushman Arogya Centers are operational in the state, with plans to set up 50 and 10-bed AYUSH hospitals in each district. Expert consultations on AYUSH are also being provided through the e-Sanjeevani portal.
He stated that the ‘Uttarakhand AYUSH Policy’ promotes the production of medicinal plants, wellness, education, research, and the conservation of medicinal flora. Furthermore, a budget of 10 million rupees has been allocated for establishing one ‘Spiritual Economic Zone’ each in the Garhwal and Kumaon regions.
The Chief Minister expressed his delight that esteemed yoga instructors from around the world are sharing their knowledge and experiences at this festival, conducting sessions on Hatha Yoga, Raja Yoga, Karma Yoga, and Bhakti Yoga, along with meditation, pranayama, and natural healing.
He noted that Parmarth Niketan has been connecting the world through Indian culture, yoga, and spirituality for the past 80 years. The Chief Minister expressed confidence that this festival would play a crucial role in guiding humanity towards peace and harmony through yoga, pranayama, and spirituality.
The event was attended by Swami Chidanand Saraswati and Sadhvi Bhagwati Saraswati from Parmarth Niketan, singer Kailash Kher, various yoga instructors from different countries, and numerous tourists.
My name is Narendra Jijhontiya. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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