Ancient Indian systems of ayurveda, yogapathway to healthy future: Prez Murmu

Buldhana: President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday made a strong pitch for transforming conservation of medicinal plants into a mass movement, saying that safeguarding India's traditional healthcare resources must go beyond govt efforts and become a collective responsibility of citizens.Speaking after inaugurating the National Arogya Fair 2026 at Shegaon in Maharashtra's Buldhana district, she said the "valuable wealth" of medicinal plants is important not only for providing raw materials for medicines but also for environmental balance.The four-day fair is jointly organised by the ministry of Ayush and All India Ayurveda Mahasammelan, at the Visava Bhakta Nivas complex."The ancient Indian knowledge systems of ayurveda and yoga offer a pathway to a healthier future for the world. The conservation and expansion of medicinal plants must also receive equal importance and evolve into a people's movement," she said.Maharashtra governor Acharya Devvrat, Union minister of state for Ayush Prataprao Jadhav, Union minister of state for youth affairs and sports Raksha Khadse, Maharashtra labour minister Akash Fundkar, guardian minister of Buldhana district Makrand Jadhav Patil, MLA Sanjay Kute, Ayush secretary Padma Shri Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Mahasammelan president Rakesh Sharma and senior Ayurveda physician Devendra Triguna were present on the dais.The President said balanced mental and physical health is the foundation of a wholesome lifestyle and recalled the Indian philosophy of "Aarogyam Paramam Sukham" (health is supreme happiness). She stressed that citizens' good health is essential to building a strong nation and that Ayush systems such as ayurveda, yoga and unani play a vital role in achieving this goal.Highlighting initiatives of the ministry of Ayush, she referred to the establishment of national Ayush institutions, Ayush dispensaries, drug-testing laboratories and revival of global traditional medicine centres. She emphasised that these measures must be complemented with systematic conservation and wider cultivation of medicinal plants.Governor Devvrat said India's traditional diet and lifestyle help people avoid illnesses. However, the growing dependence on unhealthy and unnecessary food habits has resulted in an increase in lifestyle diseases. He underlined the need for expanding the reach of ayurveda and Ayush-based healthcare.Union minister Jadhav said wellness and holistic health security form the backbone of Ayush philosophy. With the world increasingly focusing on wellness, India's traditional systems of medicine can position the country as a global leader. He added that farmers cultivating medicinal plants would also benefit economically. Efforts were being made, he said, to establish a dedicated Ayush ministry in Maharashtra and to ensure wider access to Ayush services across Vidarbha and Maharashtra.President Murmu visited the extensive health exhibition and various stalls representing different systems of traditional medicine and modern health support services. She interacted with officials and experts and appreciated the initiatives aimed at improving access to Ayush healthcare facilities, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas.Senior ayurveda practitioners were felicitated for their contribution at the programme. The ministry of Ayush was also presented a certificate from the Guinness Book of World Records, which was formally handed over to the President.Before the main function, the President visited the revered Sant Gajanan Maharaj Temple in Shegaon and offered prayers at the samadhi of Sant Gajanan Maharaj. Senior officials of the temple trust and Ayush ministry accompanied her during the visit.