The Uttarakhand government plans to transform the Madan Mohan Malaviya Prachya Shodh Sansthan (Shri Madan Mohan Malaviya Oriental Research Institute), at Rishikul in Haridwar, into a major centre for Ayurveda, yoga and India’s traditional knowledge systems.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reviewed the institution’s proposed master plan and directed officials to develop it as a prominent centre for advanced education, research, wellness and Indian culture.
A detailed presentation on the institution’s proposed design and activities was made during a review meeting at the Chief Minister’s residence.
Dhami said the development plan should give priority to medical tourism, yoga, astrology and Vedic mathematics, along with Ayurveda. The institution should have modern facilities for high-quality education and research in these fields, he added.
The Chief Minister said Rishikul should bring India’s traditional knowledge systems and modern research together. Students, researchers and subject experts should be provided with a strong academic environment for study and research.
Traditional Design with Modern Facilities
Dhami directed officials to give priority to traditional Indian architecture while developing the Rishikul campus. He said the buildings and their outer facades should reflect ancient Indian architectural traditions, while their interiors should offer all essential facilities in line with modern standards.
The institution’s distinctive identity should be built around a combination of tradition and modernity, he said. Every construction and development activity under the project should remain consistent with the institution’s fundamental character.
Rishikul to Reflect Haridwar’s Spiritual Heritage
The Chief Minister said Rishikul should not be developed merely as an educational institution. It should also become a centre where people can connect with Indian culture, philosophy, knowledge and spirituality.
Dhami noted that the Ganga has given Haridwar a special religious and spiritual identity in India and across the world. The city attracts large numbers of pilgrims and tourists, and this distinct character should be reflected in Rishikul’s development plan.
Visitors to the institution should have an opportunity to understand and closely experience Ayurveda, yoga, India’s traditional knowledge systems and its spiritual heritage, he added.
Two-year Deadline for the Project
The Chief Minister instructed officials to avoid unnecessary delays in implementing the project. He asked them to prepare a phased action plan and set clear timelines for all proposed works.
The development work is targeted for completion in phases within two years. Dhami also directed officials to review the project regularly and ensure that work progresses according to the prescribed schedule.
Focus on Education, Research and Wellness
Under the master plan, Rishikul will be developed as an integrated centre for a wide range of activities. These will include yoga and meditation, Ayurveda, holistic health, Indian philosophy, Vedic and classical studies, art and culture, advanced education and research. Ayurvedic treatment and wellness will also be important parts of the proposed centre.
Dhami said Ayush, yoga and Sanskrit were integral to Uttarakhand’s identity and should be clearly reflected in the institution’s redevelopment. The aim is to create a platform where India’s traditional wisdom and contemporary research complement each other.
Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan, Principal Secretary R.K. Sudhanshu, Dr R. Meenakshi Sundaram, secretaries Dhiraj Garbyal, Deepak Kumar, Yugal Kishore Pant and Ranjana Rajguru, Haridwar-Roorkee Development Authority Vice-Chairperson Sonika and Additional Secretary Abhishek Ruhela attended the meeting. Haridwar District Magistrate Mayur Dikshit joined the meeting virtually.
