On the eve of International Yoga Day, Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in a program held at Bhararisain, Gairsain on Friday, where he warmly welcomed all foreign diplomats and renowned yoga gurus. During the event, he honored the guests by presenting them with symbolic souvenirs and traditional Uttarakhandi caps.
Welcoming the ambassadors and high-level officials from countries including Mexico, Fiji, Nepal, Suriname, Mongolia, Latvia, Sri Lanka, and Russia, the Chief Minister stated that Devbhoomi Uttarakhand is the global capital of Yoga and AYUSH. He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, International Yoga Day is celebrated across the world. In 2014, on the Prime Minister’s appeal, more than 177 countries recognized International Yoga Day through the United Nations.
The Chief Minister mentioned that Prime Minister Modi had once proclaimed from the sacred land of Kedarnath that this decade would be Uttarakhand’s decade. He said those words serve as inspiration, direction, and a declaration of resolve for all of us. He highlighted the Prime Minister’s focused vision for the AYUSH and wellness sector. Uttarakhand is being developed as a global hub for Yoga. The Chief Minister emphasized that the Himalayan environment, pure climate, and spiritual atmosphere of the state make it ideal for meditation and Yoga. Uttarakhand has the complete potential to emerge as a global wellness destination.
He added that Yoga and Ayurveda have been deeply embedded in our culture for centuries. This land has been the place of penance for sages, yogis, and traditional healers. Uttarakhand supplies raw medicinal herbs not only to the country but also to international markets. Many prominent global Ayurvedic medicine producers have set up operations in Uttarakhand. The state’s rich biodiversity includes rare and valuable medicinal herbs like Kutki, Jatamansi, and Timur. The CM also mentioned century-old Ayurvedic institutions like Rishikul and Gurukul Ayurvedic Colleges, through which Ayurvedic knowledge has been passed down for generations.
He said Uttarakhand has highly skilled human resources in the fields of Ayurveda, Yoga, and Panchakarma. The state is capable of supplying high-quality Himalayan herbs and can facilitate their extraction, processing, and global trade. The state’s traditional superfoods like Mandua (finger millet), Jhangora (barnyard millet), Bhatt (black soybean), Bichhu Ghas (nettle), and Kilmora (barberry) can be value-added, packaged, and promoted globally. The CM emphasized the potential for joint research and innovation in lifestyle-related disorders, disease prevention, and health preservation.
Cultural Performances Reflect the Spirit of Uttarakhand
On the eve of International Yoga Day, the program showcased the vibrant culture of Uttarakhand. The event began with the traditional Nanda Devi Raj Jat and featured various folk dance performances from the state. These included popular forms like Jhora-Chhapeli, Nati, and others, which brought the rich cultural heritage of Garhwali, Kumaoni, and Jaunsari regions to life.
