Dehradun, June 21
Amid Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s campaign to give yoga global recognition and reach every household and Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s efforts to make Uttarakhand the capital of yoga, wellness, and naturopathy, Dehradun’s City Forest Park witnessed a remarkable confluence of health, spirituality, and nature on International Yoga Day.
The Mussoorie-Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA) organized the 12th International Yoga Day program at City Forest Park, with Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan as the chief guest. Senior administrative officials, including Additional Secretary to the Chief Minister and MDDA Vice Chairman Bansidhar Tiwari, MDDA Secretary Mohan Singh Barnia, authority staff, representatives of various institutions, and a large number of local citizens participated. Amidst the greenery and serene valleys, more than a thousand people performed yoga together, spreading the message of healthy living. At the conclusion, Vice Chairman Bansidhar Tiwari honored yoga instructors with certificates of appreciation for their contribution to yoga awareness.
In the fresh morning air, under the shade of trees and accompanied by birdsong, when thousands of hands rose together in yoga postures, the entire City Forest Park seemed immersed in yoga. Guided by instructors, participants practiced various asanas, pranayama, and meditation. From children to the elderly, everyone participated enthusiastically and resolved to make yoga a part of their daily routine.
This year’s Yoga Day was not just a formal event but was linked to nature conservation, healthy lifestyle, and social awareness. The program at MDDA’s City Forest Park conveyed that yoga is not only a means to keep the body healthy but also a path to harmony with nature. Participants were informed about the scientific benefits of yoga—its role in reducing stress, maintaining mental balance, and preventing lifestyle-related diseases. The large participation of youth and women showed that yoga has become an integral part of modern lifestyle beyond its traditional practice.
Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan said yoga is an invaluable heritage of India’s ancient culture that has shown the world the path to healthy living. Thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts, yoga has gained global recognition, and millions worldwide have adopted it. He emphasized that yoga establishes balance between body, mind, and soul, providing peace and positive energy in today’s stressful and busy life. Yoga, he said, is not just about personal health but about building a healthy society and nation.
MDDA Vice Chairman Bansidhar Tiwari highlighted that Uttarakhand has always been the land of yoga, penance, and spiritual practice. Its natural environment and cultural heritage inspire balanced living. He said the state government is working to develop Uttarakhand as a global hub of yoga, Ayurveda, wellness, and naturopathy. With Char Dham, the Himalayas, and abundant natural resources, Uttarakhand can become a center of attraction for yoga practitioners worldwide. He urged people to adopt yoga daily and contribute to building a drug-free society.
The Yoga Day program proved that MDDA’s City Forest Park is not just a recreational spot but is evolving into a hub for health, environment, and community activities. Modern facilities developed in recent years have made it attractive for families, youth, and tourists. Participants praised the park’s cleanliness, greenery, and amenities, saying practicing yoga in such a natural setting felt like a spiritual experience. The open spaces, tracks, and green areas provide an ideal environment for collective yoga and wellness activities.
At the conclusion, participants pledged to practice yoga regularly and adopt a healthy lifestyle. The event was not just a one-day program but a significant example of public participation in building a healthy Uttarakhand and a healthy India. The unique blend of yoga, nature, and community involvement made it clear that Uttarakhand is advancing towards a new identity in health and wellness alongside its spiritual and religious richness.
Efforts to make MDDA’s City Forest Park more modern, well-equipped, and citizen-friendly have accelerated. After the Yoga Day program, Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan inspected the 12-acre park and reviewed its facilities, including the children’s park, cafeteria, cycling track, 3D movie theater, solar plant, nursery, open gym, open theater, EV charging station, and information center. He interacted with citizens, tourists, and cafeteria operators to gather feedback on quality and utility.
He directed officials to develop a QR code-based online feedback system so visitors can directly share their suggestions. He emphasized that public acceptance and utility determine the success of any public facility, and technology combined with public participation can improve services. He praised the park’s cleanliness, greenery, energy conservation, and environmental initiatives, calling it an excellent medium for connecting urban life with nature.
Vice Chairman Bansidhar Tiwari assured that all suggestions and directives will be implemented on priority, strengthening digital services, public amenities, and environmental measures to make City Forest Park one of Dehradun’s finest public spaces.