Spiritual Leaders Praise PM Modi's Vision for Winter Yoga Retreats in Uttarakhand
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Synopsis
On March 6, Prime Minister Modi's call for winter yoga retreats in Uttarakhand received acclaim from spiritual leaders and yoga gurus. They believe this initiative will enhance tourism in the sacred Devbhoomi while providing spiritual and health benefits to the attendees.
Key Takeaways
- PM Modi promotes winter yoga retreats in Uttarakhand.
- Spiritual leaders emphasize the importance of maintaining environmental cleanliness.
- Yoga in Uttarakhand offers both health and spiritual benefits.
- Efforts aim to enhance tourism and support the local economy.
- Community involvement is essential for success.
New Delhi, March 6 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiative for winter yoga retreats in Uttarakhand has garnered enthusiastic support from spiritual leaders and yoga gurus, who assert that this move will enhance tourism in the revered Devbhoomi while providing both spiritual and health benefits to visitors.
During a public address in Harsil on Thursday, PM Modi encouraged spiritual leaders to facilitate winter yoga camps in Uttarakhand.
"Winter yoga retreats can be arranged in serene and snowy areas. I urge esteemed sants, heads of monasteries and temples, along with all yoga practitioners, to conduct at least one yoga camp in Uttarakhand during winter for their followers," he expressed.
Swami Chidanand Saraswati, President of Parmarth Niketan, praised this initiative and urged visitors to avoid polluting the state.
In an interview with IANS, he remarked, "Today, on the sacred land of Uttarakhand, the visionary and proactive Prime Minister of India has launched a new endeavor. India also has its own Switzerland and, alongside this, it is a spiritual haven, being the land of the four Dhams, Hemkund Sahib, the essence of Shiva, and a sanctuary of peace."
He cautioned against pollution, stating, "When visiting Uttarakhand, we should make a commitment to eschew single-use plastics and to keep the rivers clean."
"We must plant beautiful trees along the riverbanks. It is essential to beautify our Uttarakhand with greenery while remembering that our glaciers are melting. If the glaciers exist, then so does the Ganga. If the Himalayas are present, then we are here. Therefore, come not solely for tourism but also for pilgrimage," he added.
Expressing support for the initiative, Jagadguru Paramhans Acharya told IANS, "The Prime Minister has motivated sages to invite their followers to Uttarakhand for yoga camps. This is a beautiful land, the Devbhoomi of India. These retreats will enhance people's health and aid in the development of the state."
"For all Sanatanis, visiting Uttarakhand is a significant spiritual achievement. It is considered the ultimate pilgrimage, the very route to heaven described in the Mahabharata, through which the Pandavas ascended. Practicing yoga in such a divine location will not only enhance physical well-being but also lead to profound spiritual experiences," he continued.
"PM Modi's vision for Uttarakhand revolves around reconnecting individuals with their roots, culture, and spirituality. As a religious figure, I urge everyone to support this initiative and ensure its success," he added.
Acharya Vitthal Pandey of Dashrath Mahal in Ayodhya also commended the initiative.
In a statement to IANS, he said, "The Prime Minister's remarks are genuinely remarkable. No Indian leader before him has spoken so passionately about the elevation of religious sites."
"Uttarakhand is Devbhoomi, where yogis have meditated for centuries. We fully endorse the Prime Minister's vision and will do everything within our means to bring it to fruition. We will organize camps, conduct yoga sessions, and perform Vedic rituals in the traditional manner. These efforts will convey a beautiful message to society – of a Swachh Bharat, Nirmal Bharat, Ek Bharat, and Akhand Bharat," he stated.
Shashikant Das, president of the River Saryu Daily Aarti, also lauded the initiative.
"The Prime Minister has consistently maintained a positive perspective. Uttarakhand is the land of Mahadev, a destination for devotion, meditation, and solitude. If gurus establish camps and provide spiritual guidance, it will be a significant advancement," he told IANS.
"This is Mahadev's land, and if individuals gather here to sing bhajans, study scriptures, and engage in meditation, it will yield immense benefits – not only for them but also for their families. Their spiritual well-being will flourish, and the tourism sector of Uttarakhand will thrive. The entire region will experience economic, social, and cultural growth," he added.
Das further highlighted that sages have a responsibility to champion such initiatives. "If followers and devotees come to Uttarakhand for prayer and self-discovery, they will gain more than they anticipate – spiritually, financially, and socially. The Prime Minister's vision will usher in great prosperity for Uttarakhand and its inhabitants," he stated.
