Dehradun, Nov. 10 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said Uttarakhand has the potential to emerge as the spiritual capital of the world, given its deep-rooted spiritual traditions and growing prominence in yoga, ayurveda and wellness tourism. Addressing the statehood silver jubilee celebrations at the Forest Research Institute (FRI) in Dehradun, Modi said, "Spirituality is central to Uttarakhand. If Uttarakhand decides, it can establish itself as the spiritual capital of the world. The state can connect its yoga and wellness centres to the global network of wellness tourism." He said, over 25 years, Uttarakhand has made remarkable progress in ayurveda, yoga and herbal development. "Now, at policy level, a complete package for setting up yoga and wellness centres at the assembly segment level should be framed to attract tourists and pilgrims from across the world," he added. Recalling the contribution of the statehood agitators, Modi paid tribute to those who struggled and sacrificed for the creation of the state. "When I used to come here for spiritual journeys, I saw how people faced challenges and overcame them. The days I spent here made me realise the immense potential of the people of Uttarakhand and it has inspired me," he said. He reiterated his earlier remark that the third decade of the 21st century will belong to Uttarakhand, saying he now believes this more firmly. "When the state was formed, it had limited resources. Today, its transformation is visible. The state's budget has grown from Rs.4,000 crore to over Rs.1 lakh crore. Power generation has quadrupled, and road length has doubled and where once only 4,000 tourists arrived by air in six months - today, more than that visit in a single day," Modi said. Highlighting Uttarakhand's progress in education and healthcare, he noted that the number of engineering colleges has increased tenfold, while vaccination coverage has expanded from below 25% to every village. Modi also laid the foundation stones of projects worth over Rs.8,000 crore, which he said would boost job creation and development. He said Rs.2 lakh crore worth of connectivity projects are underway to enhance accessibility across the hill state. Emphasising tourism potential, Modi suggested that every Vibrant Village should be developed as a tourist destination. He called for initiatives such as "one district, one mela" to promote Uttarakhand's diverse fairs, and urged the state to develop hill districts as horticulture hubs. He said Uttarakhand's growing appeal in winter, eco, and adventure tourism shows its potential for year-round tourism. "The state can also promote 5 to 6 destinations under the 'Wed in India' campaign as premier wedding locations," he said. Commending the Dhami-led government, Modi said the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Uttarakhand has become a model for other states. "The government is taking firm action on demographic changes and has shown exemplary commitment in disaster management and public assistance", he said. "Uttarakhand has covered a long journey in 25 years," he said. "Now we must decide where we want to see it in the next 25 years. If the destination is clear, the roadmap will follow." Today, my heart is filled with joy to see the double-engine BJP government of Uttarakhand working tirelessly to take the state to new heights, Modi said. "I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the people of Uttarakhand on the completion of 25 glorious years of the state's formation". "I interacted with the youth and industrialists here, and they are full of enthusiasm and hope for Uttarakhand's growth. To bring India in line with developed nations in 2047, my Uttarakhand, Devbhoomi is completely ready," Modi said. The PM said Uttarakhand is truly the heartbeat of India's spiritual life. "Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath, Jageshwar, Adi Kailash.. Countless pilgrimage sites here are symbols of our faith, and lakhs of devotees visit them every year. Their journeys of devotion energize Uttarakhand's economy", he said. "...This year alone, around 17 lakh pilgrims visited Kedarnath. Uttarakhand also has potential for eco and adventure tourism and can become centre of attraction of youth". "The Aatmanirbhar Bharat campaign and Vocal for Local initiative are also finding strong expression here. The love for local products is part of Uttarakhand's culture. The state government has given great momentum to these efforts - 15 agricultural products have received GI tags, including Badri Cow Ghee, which is the pride of every household in the hills"....