Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev Calls for Goa's Rebranding as Global Wellness Hub
In a significant development for India's wellness tourism sector, renowned yoga guru Baba Ramdev has urged for a fundamental shift in Goa's identity. Speaking in Panaji, Ramdev emphasized moving away from the state's prevalent image as a gambling and entertainment destination toward one rooted in Sanathan culture and mental wellness.
Patanjali's Major Investment in Goa's Wellness Infrastructure
Ramdev announced that Patanjali, the wellness and consumer goods giant he co-founded, plans to establish its second-largest yoga and wellness center in Goa. This ambitious facility, which will only be surpassed in scale by the organization's flagship center in Haridwar, aims to cater specifically to a global audience seeking comprehensive health and wellness services.
"Goa's current image revolves around sea, sand, sunrise, and unfortunately, casinos, dances, and liquor," Ramdev stated during an interview with a local television channel. "We need to associate wellness and health with Goa. People from across the world should come here specifically for health and wellness purposes."
Alignment with Government's Vision for Ayurveda and Wellness Tourism
Ramdev's announcement comes at a strategic moment, following Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant's recent pitch to position the state as a premier destination for ayurveda and wellness tourism. The yoga guru explicitly stated that Patanjali's plans are "aligned with Sawant's objective" of transforming Goa's tourism profile.
Chief Minister Sawant, who chaired a panel discussion on International Wellness at the first-ever ayurveda conference in Goa, highlighted the state's emerging role in mental wellness treatment. "Goa is increasingly becoming a destination for mental wellness treatment, with patients traveling from outside the state," Sawant noted. "Ayurveda can play a vital role here through holistic and integrated care."
Creating a Framework for Integrated Wellness Tourism
Sawant emphasized the need for structured guidelines to strengthen integrated wellness offerings in Goa. "It is evident that guidelines need to be framed to strengthen it," he said, outlining the government's vision. "Goa wants to emerge as a global wellness and medical value travel hub. Our government will continue to support the global outreach in ayurveda."
Ramdev elaborated on the practical steps being taken to support this vision, revealing that "the government is preparing a pool of trained therapists and doctors" to meet the anticipated growth in wellness tourism demand.
Educational and Research Integration of Ayurvedic Concepts
Adding to the strategic vision, Acharya Balkrishna, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Patanjali, highlighted broader efforts to incorporate ayurvedic principles across multiple sectors. "Efforts are being made to incorporate ayurvedic concepts in education, research, manufacturing, and medical treatment," Balkrishna stated, indicating a comprehensive approach to wellness integration.
Successful Platform for Ayurveda Promotion
The announcements were made during the India International Ayurveda and Wellness Expo and Summit, which served as a significant platform for the wellness sector. The event witnessed substantial participation, featuring:
- 57 exhibitors and manufacturers showcasing ayurvedic products and services
- 3,100 registered delegates, doctors, and students attending educational sessions
- Ayurvedic out-patient medical services provided to 500 patients during the event
Ramdev concluded with a forward-looking statement about Goa's potential transformation: "After Patanjali Yogpeeth, the biggest Patanjali wellness centre will be built here in Goa with the cooperation of the state government. Right now people are coming here only for adventure and sightseeing, but soon they must come here for the tenets of Sanathan culture."
