From New York to India for promotion of yoga, ayurveda

Dipender Manta

Tribune News Service

Mandi, September 26

Dr Naina Marballi is on a mission — promotion of ayurveda, yoga and naturopathy in Himachal.

She has been running an ayurveda centre (the oldest) in New York City since 1998. Hailing from Mumbai, Marballi organises ayurveda camps for her students in India every year. Of all places, she prefers Himachal because of its serenity.

Marballi is holding a 13-day camp in Manali, which is being attended by 34 of her students. Most students are from America. Hoteliers of Manali are considering it a good move as it will boost AYUSH tourism in Manali and other parts of the state.

Chaman Kapoor, owner of Snow Flakes Resort in Manali, said the participation of foreign students would prove beneficial as it would prompt more youngsters to come to India. Marballi said ayurveda had gained popularity over the years. “Yoga is therapeutic and beats stress. It transforms a person if done properly. It can cure diseases without any side-effects. Kerala has become a favourite with those looking for such therapies. If efforts are put in, Himachal too can be on the list,” she said. She said many of her students kept visiting Manali because of its panoramic view. “This time too, many old students joined me for the camp,” Marballi added.

Due to the rising demand, a large number of ayurveda centres and spas are coming up in Himachal.

Hotels in Manali are sticking to the theme of yoga and ayurveda. Domestic and foreign tourists spend days practising yoga here.

The state government is also planning to promote AYUSH tourism and efforts are on to provide basic infrastructure for the purpose. There is a plan to set up five wellness centres with an investment of Rs 100 crore each in Manali, Dharamsala, Shimla, Seraj and Dalhousie.