PANAJI
The Goa government has roped in the Shiv Yog Foundation to assess and address mental health issues among bureaucrats and employees, while also extending the support to school students. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced the initiative at a programme in Panaji on Thursday, attended by Acharya Ishan Shivanand.
He said physical health depends on mental well being, and the MoU signed with the Foundation will help improve psychological resilience among government employees and students. Sawant highlighted that in recent years the State has invested in infrastructure but is also working to raise the “happiness index” of citizens.
"Yoga and spiritual programmes are being promoted to strengthen mental balance. Goa should not be known only for sun, sand and sea. We are linking tourism with spirituality, and Goa is now recognised for this dimension too,” he said.
The Chief Minister pointed to temple tourism initiatives launched by the government, including special tours to historic shrines in North and South Goa. He also mentioned the restoration of the temple at Narvem which he said was originally built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Sawant also recalled a personal encounter in 2017 when Acharya Shivanand predicted he would hold high office.
“In 2019, after a tragic event, I became Chief Minister without lobbying with anyone,” he said.
