Baba Ramdev Urges Goa to Shift Focus from Casinos to Wellness Tourism
Yoga guru Baba Ramdev has called for Goa to transition from its current reputation as a gambling hotspot to a prominent center for wellness tourism. He emphasized the importance of promoting Sanathan culture and mental wellness during his recent visit to the state.
Baba Ramdev’s Vision for Goa
Ramdev announced plans for Patanjali to establish its second-largest yoga and wellness center in Goa. This center aims to cater to a global audience seeking health and wellness services. His comments came after Goa’s Chief Minister, Pramod Sawant, advocated for the state to be recognized as a destination for Ayurveda and wellness tourism during the first-ever Ayurveda conference.
Aligning Objectives
Ramdev’s initiative aligns with Sawant’s goals for transforming Goa’s image. “Goa is known for its beautiful landscapes, but wellness should also be a hallmark of its identity,” he stated. He expressed the need for the region to be synonymous with health and wellness, alongside its natural beauty and recreational activities.
Patanjali’s Plans
According to Ramdev, the new wellness center in Goa will be second only to the existing Patanjali Yogpeeth in Haridwar. He highlighted the shift in visitor focus from adventure and sightseeing to embracing the principles of Sanathan culture. “This will attract individuals worldwide seeking wellness,” he said.
Government Support for Wellness Initiatives
During a panel discussion on International Wellness, Sawant emphasized the necessity of establishing guidelines to enhance integrated wellness services. He noted the increasing influx of patients seeking mental wellness treatment in Goa, marking a significant opportunity for Ayurveda’s holistic approach to healthcare.
- 57 exhibitors and manufacturers participated in the India International Ayurveda and Wellness Expo and Summit.
- Approximately 3,100 delegates, including doctors and students, registered for the event.
- Ayurvedic out-patient services were made available to 500 patients during the conference.
Efforts are underway to build a pool of trained therapists and doctors to meet the rising demand for wellness tourism. Patanjali’s managing director, Acharya Balkrishna, mentioned ongoing work to integrate Ayurvedic practices into education, research, and healthcare.
With these developments, Goa seeks to establish itself as a global hub for wellness and medical tourism, promoting both its cultural heritage and health-focused initiatives.
