Foreign delegates attending the BRICS Summit in Bhopal experienced more than diplomatic discussions this week. They also got a taste of India’s wellness traditions through a special session featuring Reiki, meditation and mindful practices.
Held at Hotel Taj Lakefront, the gathering brought together representatives from 10 BRICS-associated countries, along with local influencers and guests. As a result, the event became an unusual blend of international exchange and Indian wellness culture.
A Unique Wellness Experience
Led by wellness practitioner Oorjaguru Ayush Gupta, the session introduced delegates to the basics of Reiki. Participants also took part in guided meditation and practical exercises.
Rather than presenting Reiki as simply another wellness activity, organisers positioned the session as a cultural experience. The aim was to help international visitors connect with Indian traditions in a more personal way.
Gupta explained that Reiki can encourage a sense of calm and balance. He also guided participants through breathing exercises, hand movements and mindful meditation.
Connecting India’s Traditions With the World
The initiative offered more than a wellness session. It also created an opportunity to showcase India’s spiritual heritage to a global audience.
Moreover, the event highlighted Bhopal’s potential as a destination for wellness and spiritual tourism. The city could eventually attract visitors looking for experiences centred on yoga, meditation and mindful living.
Adding to the occasion, Shishir Usha Bharti travelled from Rishikesh to participate. He highlighted the relationship between yoga, meditation and Reiki in supporting physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing.
His presence further strengthened the connection between the event and India’s long-standing spiritual traditions.
Local Influencers Support the Initiative
Local influencers also welcomed the initiative. Dilip Suryavanshi praised Gupta’s efforts to spread awareness about energy and holistic wellness.
He described the Reiki experience as an opportunity to pause and reconnect with oneself. At the same time, he viewed the international participation as a proud moment for Bhopal.
The response also showed how wellness activities can become a bridge between local culture and international visitors.
Bhopal’s Vision as an Energy and Wellness Hub
However, the larger vision behind the programme goes beyond a single event.
Organisers are looking at ways to position Bhopal as an “Energy and Wellness Hub” in India. This ambition could open new possibilities for the city’s tourism sector.
For instance, Bhopal could develop experiences around yoga retreats, meditation programmes, Reiki sessions and spiritual workshops. These could complement the city’s existing cultural and natural attractions.
As a result, visitors may have more reasons to stay longer and explore the city beyond traditional sightseeing.
Why Wellness Matters Today
Modern lifestyles have also increased interest in wellness experiences.
People increasingly deal with hectic schedules, long working hours and constant digital distractions. Consequently, activities that encourage people to slow down and reflect are attracting wider attention.
Gupta pointed to this changing lifestyle while discussing the relevance of practices such as Reiki and meditation.
For international visitors, meanwhile, such experiences can provide a direct connection to Indian traditions. Instead of simply learning about wellness practices through presentations, they can participate in them personally.
Foreign Delegates Embrace Indian Wellness
The foreign delegates reportedly responded positively to the session. Many appreciated the opportunity to experience Indian wellness traditions during an international gathering.
The response also reflects a wider global curiosity about mindfulness, meditation and holistic wellness.
In recent years, wellness travel has become an increasingly important part of tourism. Travellers are no longer looking only for monuments, food and conventional sightseeing.
Instead, many are also seeking experiences that allow them to relax, reflect and connect with local traditions.
Wellness Tourism Could Boost Bhopal
This trend could create new opportunities for Bhopal.
The city already has cultural and natural attractions. By adding wellness experiences to that mix, Bhopal could build a more diverse tourism identity.
Yoga retreats, meditation sessions, Reiki experiences and spiritual workshops could become part of a broader tourism ecosystem. Such offerings could appeal particularly to travellers searching for slower and more meaningful experiences.
Therefore, the BRICS wellness session could serve as an example of how cultural experiences can support a city’s tourism ambitions.
A Different Kind of International Exchange
What made the initiative particularly interesting was its approach to international exchange.
BRICS gatherings usually focus on diplomacy, economics, trade and international cooperation. This session, however, introduced another dimension — wellness and cultural connection.
When visitors participate directly in a traditional practice, they experience the culture rather than simply hearing about it.
That personal interaction can leave a lasting impression. It can also encourage visitors to explore similar experiences during future trips to India.
A New Chapter for Bhopal?
The BRICS session may have been only one event. However, its larger message could extend far beyond the summit.
India already has a strong global reputation for yoga, meditation and spiritual traditions. Now, cities such as Bhopal could explore how those traditions can support modern tourism.
With the right infrastructure and sustained promotion, Bhopal could potentially strengthen its position on India’s wellness map.
The vision of an Energy and Wellness Hub may still be developing. Nevertheless, the BRICS experience has offered a glimpse of what that future could look like.
For Bhopal, the opportunity is clear: combine its heritage, natural beauty and wellness traditions to create experiences that international visitors can genuinely connect with.
Could Bhopal become India’s next major wellness destination? Stay tuned for more stories on India’s evolving tourism, culture and wellness landscape.
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