In today’s world, physical and mental health have emerged as major issues. Stress, anxiety and depression have become all too common. Similarly, physical ailments such as cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure and weakened immune systems are on the rise.

Scientific research shows that stress negatively impacts the immune system. It makes individuals more vulnerable to diseases and contributes to other mental health problems like anxiety, depression and insomnia. Research reports also reveal that anxiety and depression significantly impair mental health by causing difficulties in work performance, affecting relationships and leading to social isolation, hopelessness and suicidal impulses. A recent World Health Organization report reveals that an estimated 5 percent of adults worldwide suffer from depression and mental health issues, which are the primary reasons behind the global suicide rate of over 700,000 deaths each year.

In the wake of this situation, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution recognising December 21 as World Meditation Day. The day marks the importance of meditation, which has proven effective in reducing stress, promoting healing, increasing energy and thereby promoting peace and well-being in the world. This milestone was achieved through the strong advocacy of countries like Nepal, India, Liechtenstein, Sri Lanka and Mexico.

This initiative has historical significance for Nepal. Meditation dates back to the Vedic civilisation, when rishis (sages) practised it in the Himalayas to attain spiritual wisdom and enlightenment. Lord Shiva, often revered as the first meditator, is connected to Nepal through sacred sites like Pashupatinath Temple. Gautam Buddha, who achieved enlightenment through deep meditation, further reinforced this connection to meditation. Moreover, meditation has remained central to the spiritual practices of Hinduism and Buddhism over the centuries, continuously shaping the country’s spiritual landscape.

Current initiatives and prospects

The Government of Nepal has recognised the significance of yoga, meditation and swajagaran (self-alerted awakening). It has incorporated meditation (along with yoga) into its policies and programmes for the fiscal year 2080-81, emphasising its role in key areas such as public administration, education, health, tourism and social development. The goal of this inclusion, as stated in the document, is to develop a healthy and ethical society across all three tiers of government—federal, provincial and local.

Some local governments are now implementing this vision at the grassroots by developing localised school curricula that include yoga and meditation. This initiative is promising because research conducted among the younger generation and school-goers worldwide has shown that meditation and yoga help improve their attention span and are instrumental in managing stress and emotional control. Additionally, these practices increase optimism and improve creativity and intelligence. Further, yoga supports physical health by improving blood flow and detoxification, while meditation helps manage pain and become mindful. These practices work together to support the mental and physical health of the younger generation.

This momentum is also reflected in Nepal’s growing interest in wellness tourism. Nepal's landscapes and spiritual heritage attract tourists who want to do yoga and meditation and experience Ayurveda and spa treatments in tranquil settings. Though few, there are hotels and resorts, Ayurveda hospitals, yoga trekking opportunities and specified places for yoga and meditation, such as yoga homes, ashrams and academies in and around Kathmandu. This trend establishes Nepal as a global hub for wellness tourism.

Nepal can unlock greater promises in the future by integrating meditation, yoga and swajagaran campaigns in various areas of society. Notably, these efforts also align with Sustainable Development Goal 3, which aims to ensure “good health and well-being.”

Similarly, incorporating these practices into an ethical society can bring long-term benefits. Extending these practices into politics, administration and the private sector will also promote a mindful and ethically responsible society.

Finally, integrating these practices can preserve Nepal’s cultural heritage and address modern-day challenges. Nepal can strengthen international relations, improve public health, address sustainability efforts, promote tourism and help achieve global peace by positioning itself as a global advocate for wellness through yoga and meditation,

Way forward

Strong coordination between the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, media and Non-Resident Nepalis is very important to strengthen Nepal’s position as a global destination for wellness tourism. Nepal can attract more tourists seeking spiritual growth and wellness by spreading messages internationally.

The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, in consultation with its stakeholders, can be central in integrating yoga, meditation and swajagaran into school and university programmes. Academic institutions should now take the lead in teaching the art of staying alert by equipping learners with the skills to reflect inward and turn to themselves for clarity and balance. Such integration develops self-awareness and emotional resilience among learners and prepares them for personal and societal challenges.