Rishikesh, March 16 Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated on Monday that yoga is not merely a form of physical exercise but a holistic way of life, and that the youth should make it an integral part of their lives.
Speaking after inaugurating the seven-day International Yoga Festival-2026 at the 'Ganga Resort' in Muni Ki Reti here, the chief minister emphasised that yoga is more than just physical exertion; it is a comprehensive lifestyle practice that serves to connect the individual spiritually with the supreme soul.
Urging youth to incorporate yoga into their daily routines, he noted that young people currently working in various fields often experience fatigue, and yoga can serve as their greatest ally in overcoming this exhaustion.
Terming yoga an invaluable legacy of India's "ancient and magnificent spiritual tradition," he remarked that the multi-faceted discipline has today evolved into a robust foundation for healthy living, mental peace and spiritual growth for the entire world.
He said that due to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts, June 21 is now celebrated globally as International Yoga Day, and today, millions of people across more than 180 countries practice yoga.
The CM asserted that Uttarakhand is not merely the Devbhoomi (land of gods) but also the Yogbhoomi (land of yoga). He added that it is a matter of immense pride that Rishikesh is today being recognised globally as the "yoga capital of the world."
He also said that the state government has formulated a 'Yoga Policy-2025,' under which more than 300 AYUSH-based 'Ayushman Arogya Kendras' are currently operational across the state, while 50- and 10-bed AYUSH hospitals are being established in every district.
He also mentioned that a budgetary provision of Rs 10 crore has been allocated to promote yoga and spirituality. Besides this, a 'spiritual economic zone' is being established in Garhwal and Kumaon divisions to promote ayurveda, naturopathy, yoga and spiritual tourism within the state, Dhami said.
The chief minister remarked that this festival—organised by Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) and the Uttarakhand Tourism Department—has played a pivotal role over the past 35 years in globalising yoga.
This year, in addition to sessions on yoga and other related practices, the festival features several special events such as a 'Run for Yoga,' a 'Heritage Walk,' and an international yoga conference.
On this occasion, Dhami launched the 'Uttarakhand Khoj Yojana' (Uttarakhand Discovery Scheme), an initiative to connect every village in the Garhwal division to the tourism network.
Minister for Forests and Environment Subodh Uniyal, Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj and GMVN Managing Director Prateek Jain were also present at the event.