Nath tradition plays key role in enriching Indian practices of yoga and AYUSH
CM Yogi’s personal interest in AYUSH and Yoga stems from his initiation into this tradition
President to inaugurate Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath AYUSH University in Gorakhpur on July 1st
Lucknow, June 28: Yoga and AYUSH have long been central to India’s cultural and wellness traditions, and the world is now increasingly embracing their benefits. The celebration of International Yoga Day across nearly 175 countries on June 21 stands as a powerful symbol of this global recognition. Yoga and Ayurveda, being complementary systems, fuel each other’s growth. This synergy is evident in the numbers—since the announcement of International Yoga Day, the number of yoga practitioners has surged by 35%, with nearly 25 crore people currently engaged in yoga training. Consequently, the market for yoga and Ayurveda-related products has expanded. In India, the Ayurveda product market has reached Rs 12,000 crore, while the yoga-related products market has touched Rs 48,000 crore and is projected to reach Rs 87,500 crore soon.
India is already benefiting from this global popularity, and due to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s personal interest in both disciplines, Uttar Pradesh is expected to benefit the most. The state is set to emerge as a hub for health tourism through yoga and AYUSH. Anticipating this potential, the Yogi government began preparations early. In this context, President Droupadi Murmu will inaugurate the state’s first AYUSH university named after Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath in Gorakhpur on July 1st. It is noteworthy that the foundation stone was laid by former President Ram Nath Kovind on August 28, 2021. Post-inauguration, the university will function at full capacity to provide holistic healthcare. A regular vice-chancellor has already been appointed, and outpatient services are currently operational. The university is located in Pipri (Bhatat), Gorakhpur.
Ayodhya’s AYUSH and Varanasi’s Homeopathic Colleges to begin operations soon
Apart from the AYUSH University in Gorakhpur, a Government Ayurvedic College in Ayodhya and a Government Homeopathic College in Varanasi will also start functioning soon. Currently, the state has 2,110 Ayurvedic, 254 Unani, and 1,585 Homeopathic hospitals. There are also 8 Ayurvedic colleges with affiliated hospitals, 2 Unani colleges with hospitals, and 9 Homeopathic colleges with associated hospitals and wellness centres.
CM Yogi’s views on AYUSH
CM Yogi Adityanath has repeatedly stated that AYUSH is not only vital for holistic wellness, but also holds immense potential for employment through health tourism. The AYUSH University will regulate other institutions in the field, bring uniformity to courses, and enhance their utility. This will improve the quality of education and boost research and innovation. The Yogi government has already established an AYUSH board to promote this system of medicine.
CM Yogi’s vision: Making UP a hub for health tourism
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has consistently voiced his vision to transform Uttar Pradesh into a hub for health tourism by leveraging the benefits of yoga and Ayurveda. Following the successful organisation of the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh, he reiterated this commitment during a programme held on February 23, stating, “After becoming number one in religious tourism, Uttar Pradesh will also lead in health tourism. To achieve this, we must revive traditional healing practices and age-old remedies passed down by our grandmothers, as a healthy body is the foundation of true happiness.”
AYUSH: A sector of immense potential
AYUSH offers a traditional yet effective path to health without side effects, with yoga being an integral part. The rising global popularity of Ayurveda and yoga continues to expand its potential. The entire world now observes International Yoga Day (June 21), and the World Health Organization’s recognition of herbal products presents a great opportunity for India. The popularity and global acceptance of Ayurveda validate the richness of India’s indigenous knowledge and heritage. The Yogi government is confident that this acceptance and popularity will continue to grow. Hence, the focus is on integrating tradition with science so that Ayurveda can guide the world toward holistic well-being, with Uttar Pradesh leading the way—this is the vision of the Yogi government, and ongoing efforts are being made to promote this system accordingly.
AYUSH product market grows 15-fold in a decade
The expanding AYUSH market is further proof of its acceptance and popularity. In 2014, the global market for AYUSH products was worth $2.85 billion, which increased to $43.4 billion by 2024—a 15-fold growth in ten years. Herbal products made in India are exported to over 100 countries. The COVID-19 pandemic further boosted this expansion. With rising education and income levels, people are becoming more health-conscious, which is expected to further increase the demand and market for AYUSH.
The remarkable growth in the AYUSH sector and the global popularity of yoga affirm that the future lies in this ancient healing tradition. Since Uttar Pradesh is the land of Dhanvantari and the practical form of yoga was developed by Guru Gorakhnath, the state holds even greater promise.
AYUSH reflects India’s rich indigenous knowledge and heritage
The growing popularity and global acceptance of AYUSH reflect the richness of India’s indigenous knowledge and heritage. If this continues, AYUSH, through the blend of tradition and science, can offer the world a path to holistic health. With this long-term potential in mind, CM Yogi Adityanath envisions Uttar Pradesh as a national leader in AYUSH. This would make the state a major centre not just for religious tourism, but also for health and wellness tourism.
Opportunities for farmers and employment for youth
The growing interest and market for AYUSH will promote medicinal farming at the local level. It will encourage the establishment of small-scale industries for the processing of herbs, creating new opportunities for employment in grading, processing, packaging, loading, unloading, and marketing. Locals can also collect wild herbs and earn additional income. This will particularly benefit local farmers and small entrepreneurs.
Yoga and Ayurveda: A tradition of Gorakshapeeth
Yoga and Ayurveda are integral to the tradition of the Gorakshapeeth. The globally accepted system of yoga for physical and mental well-being owes its present form to Guru Gorakhnath, founder of the Nath sect. CM Yogi Adityanath is the Peethadhishwar of the Gorakshapeeth located in Gorakhpur. An Ayurvedic centre has existed on the temple premises for many years in memory of his guru, the late Mahant Digvijaynath. Regular yoga training is provided there, along with an annual week-long special training program.
