‘Shri Dhanvantari Dham Herbal World Himalaya’ launched as global hub for Ayurveda, research and biodiversity; CM Dhami leads mega plantation drive
On the occasion of the Harela festival, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday led a large-scale plantation drive at ‘Shri Dhanvantari Dham Herbal World Himalaya’, described as India’s only Herbal World.
Calling the initiative a tribute to Lord Dhanvantari, regarded as the father of Ayurveda and the eternal symbol of health, Dhami said the project would help establish Uttarakhand as a global centre for herbal knowledge, research and eco-innovation.
Speaking at the event, yoga guru Swami Ramdev described the Herbal World as the world’s first living herbal garden, where medicinal plants from diverse geographical regions would be brought together.
“Herbal World Himalaya is not merely a centre for plants; it is a global movement for health and environmental consciousness. It reminds us that only if we protect nature will nature protect us,” Ramdev said.
Acharya Balkrishna, founder of Patanjali Ayurved, said the project represents a historic initiative that bridges India’s ancient knowledge traditions with the future.
According to him, the Herbal World integrates nine traditional systems of medicine—Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Egyptian, Greek and Tibetan—along with nearly 964 medicinal disciplines from around the world.
CM Dhami hails vision behind project
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Dhami said the initiative reflected the far-reaching vision of Swami Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna to preserve and promote India’s centuries-old knowledge systems for future generations.
“We are not here merely to discuss a botanical garden or an institution. We are here to witness a civilisational vision that seeks to carry India’s ancient wisdom to future generations,” he said.
Dhami said the Herbal World would become a source of inspiration for students, scientists, researchers, teachers and knowledge seekers, allowing visitors to experience the deep relationship between nature and knowledge.
He expressed confidence that the project would help establish Uttarakhand not only as a ‘Herbal State’ but also as a global hub for herbal research, biodiversity conservation and eco-innovation.
‘World’s first living herbal garden’
Swami Ramdev said the project was the result of Acharya Balkrishna’s long-term vision and relentless efforts.
He said the Herbal World would serve as the world’s first living herbal garden, housing medicinal plants collected from different geographical regions.
He added that the initiative aims to create a new development model based on local resources, traditional knowledge and scientific research.
Nine medical systems, 964 medicinal disciplines
Acharya Balkrishna said the Herbal World Himalaya, spread across more than 200 acres, will feature herbal and fruit gardens along with a Knowledge Park.
The facility is expected to become a major destination for students, scholars, researchers, scientists and others interested in medicinal plants and traditional healthcare systems.
“Our objective is to showcase the historical legacy of medicine to the world and spread the knowledge of Ayurveda globally,” Balkrishna said.
He added that the project is also expected to generate employment opportunities for the youth of Uttarakhand and contribute significantly to the state’s long-term economic growth.