Ujjain spiritual & wellness summit: Panel discusses harnessing wellness for future; highlights Madhya Pradesh's potential as spiritual investment hub

Time of India

05-06-2025

Spiritual & wellness summit
The Spiritual & Wellness Summit in Ujjain witnessed a dynamic opening to its series of discussions with a panel that delved deep into the symbiotic relationship between government policy, private investment, and holistic wellness infrastructure.
Kicking off the session, Roshan Kumar Singh, Collector of Ujjain, presented a compelling vision for Simhastha 2028, the upcoming Kumbh Mela, not just as a spiritual gathering but a massive opportunity to reposition Madhya Pradesh as a global wellness destination. Singh underlined that the state government is actively working on a multi-pronged development roadmap leading up to the event ranging from river conservation initiatives like the cleaning of the sacred Shipra, to planning large-scale settlements and modern amenities for the expected influx of pilgrims.
He noted that the spiritual grandeur of Simhastha could seamlessly align with the growing global interest in wellness, alternative medicine, and yoga tourism.
Moderated by Deepshika Sikarwar, deputy editor, The Economic Times, the first panel discussion revolved around the theme 'Ideating the Partnership Model'. The core premise: how the public and private sectors can forge enduring partnerships to nurture and scale India's wellness sector, with Madhya Pradesh as a natural hub.
Panelists included Raghwendra Kumar Singh, principal secretary, DIPIP; Mukund Prasad, director of Leisure Hotels Group; Swami Chaittanya Hari, founder of Yoga Nisarga & Vedic Yoga School; Dr. Ramesh Varier, MD of AVN Group; and Dr. Megha KL, Lead, Strategic Projects at Apollo AyurVAID.
The discussion struck a strong economic chord, emphasizing the potential of Madhya Pradesh as a magnet for spiritual and wellness tourism.
Speakers cited reasons ranging from its serene natural landscapes and rich forest cover to infrastructural strides and its reputation for cleanliness highlighting cities like Indore, which has consistently topped the country's cleanliness charts.
Crucially, the panel explored the untapped promise of India's traditional medicine systems Ayurveda, Yoga, and holistic health as a pillar of future wellness models.
With the state's deep-rooted spiritual culture and historical ties to wellness practices, panelists agreed that MP stands at the cusp of becoming a wellness powerhouse.
As discussions progressed, emphasis was placed on building trust between public and private sectors, introducing policy incentives, and improving quality control across wellness services. Panelists stressed that such collaboration could enhance accessibility to wellness offerings, especially in underserved areas, while simultaneously creating employment and entrepreneurial opportunities in the state.
Up next, the summit will feature a second panel that explores how Madhya Pradesh can develop a holistic wellness ecosystem and skilled workforce to power this vision. The day's events will culminate with a special address by chief minister Mohan Yadav, who is expected to share his vision for Ujjain's spiritual and wellness transformation.