Updated on: Nov 09, 2025

Dehradun: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that Uttarakhand, a state known for its natural beauty and cultural heritage, has made remarkable strides in ayurveda, yoga, and herbal development, and possesses the potential to emerge as the spiritual capital of the world. He made these remarks while addressing the statehood silver jubilee celebrations at the Forest Research Institute (FRI) in Dehradun.

Modi highlighted that if Uttarakhand so decides, it could establish itself as a global hub for spiritual and wellness tourism. “The state can connect its yoga and wellness centres to the global network of wellness tourism,” he said. He emphasised that over the past 25 years, Uttarakhand has witnessed notable growth in ayurveda, yoga, and herbal development, and now requires a comprehensive policy framework to set up yoga and wellness centres at the assembly segment level, which would help attract both international tourists and pilgrims.

Paying tribute to the statehood agitators, Modi acknowledged the struggles and sacrifices of those who fought for the creation of Uttarakhand. He reflected on the state’s journey since its formation, noting that it started with limited resources but has undergone a remarkable transformation. “The state’s budget has grown from ₹4,000 crore to over ₹1 lakh crore. Power generation has quadrupled, and the total road length has doubled,” he said, underlining the significant infrastructure development achieved over the past quarter century.

In addition to economic growth, Modi pointed to progress in education and healthcare. He noted that the number of engineering colleges has increased tenfold, while vaccination coverage has expanded from less than 25% of the population to reaching every village in the state.

During the event, Modi launched and laid the foundation stones of projects worth over ₹8,000 crore, aimed at boosting employment and accelerating development across Uttarakhand. He also mentioned that connectivity projects worth ₹2 lakh crore are underway to enhance access across the hilly state, ensuring that infrastructure development keeps pace with tourism and economic growth.

On tourism, Modi suggested that each Vibrant Village should be developed as a tourist destination. He advocated initiatives such as “one district, one mela” to promote the state’s diverse fairs and festivals, while also urging the government to position Uttarakhand’s hill districts as horticulture hubs. He highlighted the state’s growing popularity in winter tourism, eco-tourism, and adventure tourism, indicating the potential for year-round tourism development.

In a move to boost the wedding tourism sector, Modi suggested promoting five to six destinations under the “Wed in India” campaign as premier wedding locations, thereby leveraging Uttarakhand’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Modi also lauded the Dhami-led government for its governance initiatives, particularly noting that Uttarakhand’s implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) has set a model for other states to follow.

Concluding his address, Modi reflected on the state’s 25-year journey and urged stakeholders to focus on its future trajectory. “Uttarakhand has covered a long journey in 25 years. Now we must decide where we want to see it in the next 25 years. If the destination is clear, the roadmap will follow,” he said, emphasizing the need for vision-driven governance and strategic planning to ensure continued growth and development.

The Prime Minister’s address underscored a multi-faceted approach to spiritual, economic, and infrastructural development, positioning Uttarakhand not only as a domestic destination of choice but also as a global hub for wellness, tourism, and culture.