PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that the State government is committed to making Uttarakhand the global Yoga and wellness capital. He said this at the State-level programme at Banbasa in Champawat district on the occasion of the 12th International Yoga Day on Sunday. A large number of Yoga practitioners, Sashastra Seema Bal jawans, students, youth, women and senior citizens did Yoga along with Dhami on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, the CM said that Yoga is not just physical exercise but a life system which establishes coordination among the body, mind and soul. Yoga makes the mind calm and enables a person to progress towards a positive, balanced and successful life. “Amid challenges posed by stress, depression and unhealthy lifestyle, Yoga is working as an effective natural treatment system. The regular practice of Yoga and Pranayam boost immunity, strengthens mental integrity and generates positive energy in life. Yoga has joined the whole world with humanity and also established the basic mantras of Indian culture around the world. International Yoga Day gained international recognition due to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts and today crores of people in more than 190 nations have been connected to Yoga,” the CM said.
Dhami especially exhorted the youth to not limit Yoga to a special occasion but to make it an integral part of their daily lives and adopt a healthy, disciplined and positive lifestyle while shunning substance abuse.
Uttarakhand is the land of the ancient traditions of Yoga, spirituality and Sadhana. The State government is working with determination to develop Uttarakhand as the global capital of Yoga and wellness, he said. The State government has implemented the nation’s first Yoga policy. Under this policy, maximum of upto Rs 20 lakh subsidy is available for establishing Yoga and Dhyan Kendras while provision for upto Rs 10 lakh grant has been made to encourage research in the spheres of Dhyan and natural treatment. Further, five Yoga hubs are being developed in the State while the availability of Yoga services is being ensured in all Ayush Health and Wellness centres. He said that the purpose behind organising the State-level IYD programme at Banbasa was also to encourage Yoga and spiritual practices on the banks of the Sharda river. Through the Sharda corridor project, the State government is working to lend a new identity to this area when it comes to spiritual and tourism development. From Tanakpur to Banbasa, the Sharda riverfront and various religious and tourist spots will be developed under this project at a cost of Rs 3,300 crore. The redevelopment of the Sharda ghat at a cost of Rs 179 crore has been inaugurated in the first stage of this project, he said. Cabinet minister Bharat Chowdhary, various public representatives and officials were also present on the occasion.
