The Governor of Uttarakhand Baby Rani Maurya has said that Yoga and Ayurveda can create its unique global identity for Uttarakhand and the state has all the potential to become an important wellness tourism destination. She was addressing the audience after inaugurating the National Arogya Fair 2020 at Parade ground here on Wednesday.

The event is being organized under the joint aegis of the AYUSH Ministry, Government of India, AYUSH Department, Government of Uttarakhand and PHD Chamber of Commerce.

Governor opined that with the progress and popularity of AYUSH production of local herbs and aromatic plants and traditional life style can get a boost in Uttarakhand. She said that AYUSH is directly connected with rural and agricultural development and women in mountainous regions are directly involved in the cultivation of medicinal herb and  AYUSH is making the state healthy along with empowering it socially and economically.

Terming Uttarakhand as the birth place of Yoga and Ayurveda, the governor said that it is a matter of great happiness that both these ancient practices are being linked with tourism related activities in the state. She added that the ‘Home stay scheme’ should get connected with wellness tourism here.

The forest and AYUSH minister, Harak Singh Rawat said that Uttarakhand has immense potential for AYUSH and both the union on the state governments are constantly working for the promotion of AYUSH.  Acharya Balkrishna  said that an herbal park should be developed in the state and highlighted that documentation of all the herbs and plants is necessary. The President PHD Chamber of commerce, D K Agarwal said that Uttarakhand is one of the major hubs of AYUSH in the country. He said that the state has been an ideal destination for AYUSH in India, helping people to choose a healthier lifestyle and to get rid of their stress. The five day event would culminate on February 16.

According to the organisers, the objective of the fair is to promote AYUSH in Uttarakhand with focus on India’s ancient health and wellness systems - Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy. Some of the special attractions of the fair are demonstration of free lectures on Ayurveda, live Yoga demonstration and free consultation by renowned Yoga Gurus and Vaids, free health check-up clinics, public health lectures, and counselling sessions by Ayurveda doctors. The free check-up and consultancies will be established for Naadi Parikshan (with illustration), Panch-karma with latest technologically updated systems.

The mayor of Dehradun, Sunil Uniyal Gama, union deputy secretary, AYUSH, Ramanand Meena, Secretary AYUSH  Dilip Jawalkar, Chidanand Sarswati and specialists related AYUSH were present on the occasion.