Dehradun, June 22 -- Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami formally launched the state's yoga policy, which was approved by the state cabinet last month, during an event organised on the state assembly premises in Bhararisain on Saturday that marked the occasion of 11th International Yoga Day. The Uttarakhand cabinet approved the Uttarakhand Yoga Policy, 2025 - the first yoga specific policy by any state - on May 28, to make Uttarakhand a global hub for yoga and wellness. Under the policy, the state government will promote yoga tourism to establish the state as an international centre of yoga and spirituality. It also aims to establish five new yoga hubs by 2030, and include yoga services in all Ayush health and wellness centres by March 2026. "Uttarakhand will be made the global capital of yoga and wellness and one spiritual economic zone will be established each in Garhwal and Kumaon divisions to promote medical, yoga and spiritual tourism," the CM said. He performed asanas with yoga guru Swami Bharat Bhushan and delegates from eight countries and said that the presence of foreign guests will give global recognition to the event. "The mass yoga practice with the representatives of eight friendly nations will prove to be an important step towards making the state the global capital of yoga and spirituality," he added. Dhami also planted an apple sapling on the assembly premises under the programme, "Ek Vriksha, Yoga Ke Naam". He said that the state's summer capital is a centre of rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. "Uttarakhand is a land of yoga and spirituality. Taking inspiration from Prime Minister Narendra Modi the state government has implemented the country's first yoga policy in the state. The policy has been prepared with the aim of establishing the state as the global capital of yoga and wellness. Under the policy, a subsidy up to Rs.20 lakh will be provided for developing yoga and meditation centres in the state. A provision of grants up to Rs.10 lakh has also been made to promote research in the field of yoga, meditation and naturopathy in the state," he said. He added that the state government has aimed to establish five new yoga hubs in the state by 2030 and by March 2026, the availability of yoga services will also be ensured in all Ayush and wellness centres of the state. He said yoga establishes harmony between our mind, soul and body. "Yoga keeps our body healthy and provides inner peace, mental balance and spiritual stability to human life. Through various asanas and pranayamas, the body and mind can be freed from stress. Yoga also transmits positive energy in life by increasing concentration," he said. Dhami added, "Today, the whole world is also adopting yoga as a life philosophy. Yoga has worked to connect human society across the world irrespective of caste, language, religion and geography. It is working to unite the whole world by becoming a bridge of global unity, harmony and brotherhood. The visionary thinking and inspirational leadership of the PM has given yoga a new identity on the world stage." Before the event, the CM interacted with the local residents of Gairsain, Uttarakhand's summer capital, and said that the state government is committed to address the problem of migration under the guidance of the PM. "Several important initiatives have been taken by the state government to boost the local economy and tourism in the state. The government has launched a scheme to offer maximum self-employment opportunities at the local level. A strategic advisory committee has also been formed to promote innovation for the state's economic and social development. Efforts are being made to provide employment opportunities to the youth in the hills as per their skills and capabilities," he said. On this occasion, cabinet minister Dhan Singh Rawat and several diplomats of various countries were also present....