NT Reporter
Panaji
Stating that Goa is known for its natural beauty, biodiversity and spiritual harmony, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Friday said that his government is now taking steps towards giving the state a new identity of global wellness destination.
Sawant said the government and the stakeholders together need to tap the international visitors who look out for wellness
treatment.
“Our government has given thrust on promoting Goa beyond sand, sea and sun and taken various steps to promote tourism in the spiritual and wellness sectors,” he said.
Sawant was addressing a gathering after inaugurating the first India International Ayurveda and Wellness Expo and Summit 2026 at the Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium on Taleigao plateau. He also unveiled the Goa Ayurveda Policy 2026 on the occasion.
The Chief Minister said that the state government has been promoting Ayurveda research centres, wellness resorts and startups in collaboration with the Department of AYUSH, Tourism and Health
Services.
“As a practitioner, I firmly believe that Ayurveda is not just a system of medicine but a way of life. Ayurveda teaches us about the balance between body and mind, between human being and nature and between progress and sustainability. Ayurveda is the biggest contribution of Bharat to humanity,” he said.
Sawant said that in today’s world of struggle, Ayurveda offers natural, affordable, preventable and holistic solutions. “Wellness tourism is eco-friendly, people-friendly and sustainable. It respects our land, forest, coastline and culture and this expo and summit is a strong step towards that direction,” he said.
The Chief Minister assured the people that the state government will firmly stand with all stakeholders such as Ayurveda practitioners, researchers, entrepreneurs and investors and support nature-friendly projects in the state.
Rajya Sabha MP Sadanand Shet Tanavade, Chief Secretary Dr V Candavelou, managing director of Patanajali Acharya Balkrishna, president of Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry Pratima Dhond, director of All India Institute of Ayurveda Dr P K Prajapati, president of the organising committee Dr Sneha Bhagwat, vice-president of the committee Dr Dharmendra Prabhudessai, organising secretary Dr Devdutt Sail and others were present on the occasion.
