Uttarakhand CM Encourages Youth to Embrace Yoga as a Lifestyle
Promoting Yoga as a Holistic Approach
On Monday, Uttarakhand's Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami emphasized that yoga should not be viewed merely as a form of exercise but as a comprehensive lifestyle. Speaking at the inauguration of the seven-day International Yoga Festival 2026 at Ganga Resort in Muni Ki Reti, he urged the youth to incorporate yoga into their daily lives.
Dhami described yoga as an invaluable heritage of India's ancient spiritual tradition, highlighting that thousands of years ago, sages and saints laid the foundation for balancing body, mind, and soul through yoga. This practice has now become a powerful basis for healthy living, mental peace, and spiritual advancement worldwide.
Yoga's Global Impact
He noted that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiative, June 21 is celebrated as International Yoga Day, with millions practicing yoga in over 180 countries today.
The Chief Minister stated that Uttarakhand is not only known as the 'Land of Gods' but also as the 'Land of Yoga,' expressing pride in Rishikesh's recognition as the 'Yoga Capital of the World.'
State Initiatives for Yoga Promotion
The state government has formulated a Yoga Policy for 2025, which includes the operation of over 300 Ayushman health centers based on traditional medicine across the state. Additionally, plans are underway to establish 50 bedded Ayush hospitals in each district.
To promote yoga and spirituality, a budget of ₹10 crores has been allocated, and spiritual economic zones are being set up in both Garhwal and Kumaon regions to enhance Ayurveda, natural healing, yoga, and spiritual tourism.
International Yoga Festival Highlights
This year's International Yoga Festival, organized by the Garhwal Mandal Development Corporation and the Uttarakhand Tourism Department, has played a significant role in spreading yoga traditions globally for the past 35 years. The festival features sessions on yoga, pranayama, meditation, Ayurveda, natural healing, and spiritual discourses, along with special events like 'Run for Yoga,' 'Heritage Walk,' and an international yoga conference.
During the event, the Chief Minister launched the Uttarakhand Discovery Scheme aimed at connecting every village in the Garhwal region with tourism. Forest and Environment Minister Subodh Uniyal remarked that yoga not only promotes a healthy lifestyle but also creates job opportunities. Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj added that yoga has always been a means of spirituality, providing both health benefits and mental tranquility.
Prateek Jain, Managing Director of GMVN, reported that over 2,500 registrations have been received for this year's festival, including 250 guests from 30 countries. He mentioned that 150 yoga institutions have collaborated to ensure the festival's success.