Nepal Focuses on Yogic Tourism and Well-being in New Policies

Let's start with the Virat Chakra Science program organized by the Life Science Institute in Lumbini from Chaitra 17 to 23, 080 BS. More than 6,000 people participated in this program. Yoga and meditation centers have opened across the country in their own ways or out of personal interest to teach yoga and meditation. The state itself must take the initiative to impart yoga education in a systematic and comprehensive manner to the general public. To create an environment that translates this concept into action, a five-point Lumbini Declaration-Letter was issued on the last day of the program, Jestha 24.

The declaration stated, 'In the fields of public administration, education, health, tourism, and social development, yoga-meditation and self-awareness will be mainstreamed through original and scientific methods to build a healthy and ethical society. A campaign for self-awareness through yoga and meditation will be conducted at the federal, provincial, and local levels. Yoga-meditation tourism will be promoted to spread the message of yoga and meditation worldwide.'

Subject Matter

Subsequently, the government addressed this in its annual budget for 081/082. It stated, 'Citizens will be encouraged to adopt a healthy lifestyle by emphasizing physical exercise, yoga, and health services, as well as a clean and balanced diet. Budget will be allocated for the construction of open yoga and exercise halls and the purchase of equipment.'

Following this, some work has been implemented at the government level. Meanwhile, the Life Science Institute has been continuously conducting various programs among government employees, the Nepali Army and Police organizations, the private sector, and the general public, as well as abroad. Trainers have been produced to deliver yoga, exercise, pranayama, and meditation to every household, i.e., every neighborhood.

By this time, the concept of personal well-being and wellness tourism, which originated from the land of Nepal and remained hidden for a long time, has been put into action through yoga and meditation. This message has reached the world through World Health Day and the Gurudev's address and meditation program at the United Nations.

Well-being and Wellness Tourist

Well-being is not just about having a healthy body. For complete well-being, i.e., to be happy and joyful, one's mind, intellect, emotions, and consciousness must all be healthy. While material wealth brings happiness, complete well-being brings happiness, peace, and joy. This desire is not only among us Nepalis but is even more evident among people who have reached the pinnacle of material progress. People are searching for where and how they can breathe peacefully and where they can learn that skill. People who embark on this search are wellness tourists.

For this, Nepal is the ancient land of yoga, meditation, and knowledge, which emerged from the wisdom and research efforts of sages and hermits. Nepal is a country with immense potential to play a significant role with appropriate and sustainable policies taken by the nation. Nepal is a country that can fulfill the potential of its abundant natural, social, cultural, and indigenous knowledge through yoga and meditation. Nepal is a country that holds the potential to benefit the entire world in the long term with the knowledge of its herbs and treatment methods. In short, Nepal is a destination for wellness tourists.

Foreign tourists will come to Nepal in search of peace with complete well-being. They will carry the message back to their respective countries that Nepal is a carrier of well-being and peace. Through yoga, meditation, and indigenous food and accommodation, tourists will be able to experience the meaningfulness of life. Thus, Nepal is becoming a country that can help humanity breathe in peace.

Determination and Continuity in Programs

A new government has been formed following the clear mandate received after the general elections held on Falgun 21, 082 BS. The government's policy and program for the current fiscal year were released on Jestha 28, 083 BS. While emphasizing good governance and physical development of the country, it also places special emphasis on wellness tourism. Many of its points directly promote wellness tourism, while most points appear to contribute indirectly.

Specifically, point number 38 of the policy and program states that the national campaign 'Devbhumi Nepal' will be launched to establish Nepal as a global spiritual center. It will be developed as a rising destination for religious, cultural, wellness studies, film, spiritual, and tourism. Promotion of Pashupatinath, Lumbini, Janakpur Dham, and Muktinath areas will be carried out through spiritual and pilgrimage diplomacy.

Similarly, point number 39 states that community-operated homestays will connect local art, culture, and traditions with tourism, promoting income generation and employment for marginalized and Dalit communities. The policy aims to brand the operated homestays and develop their activities as living museums.

The programs mentioned above show a path that will pave the way for the all-round development of the country and abroad by utilizing and promoting the deep and eternal knowledge of Eastern culture. Wellness tourists will not just return after meditating quietly in Kathmandu. They will visit the religious, spiritual pilgrimage sites, and observe Nepal's indigenous culture and geographical landscape. They will consume and purchase organic products here. Such tourists will help invigorate the country's economy.

Likewise, considering the need for subject matter experts to provide corresponding services in the country to attract wellness tourism, point number 59 shows the government's commitment to institutionalizing Ayurveda, natural, and alternative treatment methods on a scientific basis to develop healthy human resources for well-being.

Nepal is known as a country rich in water resources due to the rivers flowing from the Himalayas. The concept of branding Nepali water through Himalayan Origin Certified Water is considered commendable. For anyone, cleanliness, beauty, and purity are the reflections of a visible face. To this end, points 60, 61, and 62 clarify the coordinated role of all three tiers of government in ensuring clean drinking water, waste and sewage management, and the cleanliness of rivers and streams.

Let's Believe in Sincere Efforts

Good things on paper have not been absent before. However, the results have not been consoling. In recent times, the Nepali people have felt the need for effective leadership. The movement in Bhadra 082 BS is a result of this, and the current government, elected with a heavy mandate, is a consequence of this. Winning an election does not automatically equate to leadership capability. The extent to which one understands the country's situation and works honestly is the primary factor.

The fundamental element required for political leadership and all citizens to work is the management of self-energy. Looking at the initial steps of the current government, a hope has arisen among the general Nepali people that there might be energy of honesty in the government.

The world is experiencing agricultural revolution, industrial revolution, information technology revolution, and in recent years, the use of artificial intelligence. No matter how comfortable and filled with material wealth one is, sleep and peace of mind are essential. Therefore, a revolution of consciousness is now imperative for humanity.

To fulfill this need, Nepal is on the path to becoming a carrier of well-being and a destination for world peace. The beauty filled with well-being, the climate, the energy-filled soil, rivers, and streams, along with indigenous culture and other services, cannot be transported anywhere by anyone. One must come to Nepal to see, experience, hear, and feel. With all these, the highest potential for wellness tourism, through the awakening of consciousness via yoga and meditation, is available only in Nepal.

In reality, the wellness tourism business is set to become a bridge of prosperity in the country by utilizing Nepal's natural wealth, eternal knowledge, and skills. This requires the initiative of all ministries, investment from the government and the private sector. Tireless efforts are being made and will continue to be made by organizations opened for yoga and meditation. Subsequently, the identity of Nepalis in the world will be transformed from that of a producer of unskilled labor to being re-established as a country of yogis.