Ujjain spiritual & wellness summit: Focus on Madhya Pradesh at centre of global wellness and health tourism; calls for holistic well-being
The sacred city of Ujjain today set the tone for a transformative dialogue on holistic living as the spiritual & wellness summit commenced with a compelling welcome address by two of Madhya Pradesh's senior-most officials.
Framing wellness not just as a healthcare initiative but a complete life philosophy, the opening remarks provided both spiritual context and strategic direction for the day's discussions.
Raghwendra Kumar Singh, principal secretary, DIPIP, invoked Ujjain's identity as
Avantika
, a city steeped in moksha-giving spiritual heritage. He highlighted how Madhya Pradesh is not only the spiritual heart of India but of the world, home to sacred cities, ancient wisdom, and a profound legacy of inner wellbeing.
He pointed out that over one-third of the state is blanketed in forests, with perennial rivers like the Narmada weaving through its terrain, making MP an ideal canvas for world-class wellness and health tourism. He also noted that with institutional initiatives like the Anand department in place, the state is aiming for more than just economic development; it is striving for holistic human development, embracing the spiritual and emotional wellbeing of its people.
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Sheo Shekhar Shukla, principal secretary and MD of MP Tourism Board, followed with a compelling multimedia presentation outlining why the time is ripe for a summit of this nature. He emphasized that true wellness means staying physically, mentally, and spiritually fit in all conditions and for all people.
Shukla elaborated on Madhya Pradesh's spiritual and cultural depth, stretching across Unesco heritage sites, ancient temples, pilgrim trails, and living traditions.
He noted that the state's rich vernacular architecture, languages, and healing practices offer a unique opportunity to build an authentic, globally attractive wellness narrative rooted in Indian tradition.
Together, the two addresses offered a rousing start to the summit. The event will reach its high point later in the day with an address by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, who is expected to share his vision for positioning Madhya Pradesh as a global destination for holistic health, spirituality, and sustainable well-being.
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