‘With its bountiful medicinal plants and herbs, Meghalaya has become a hub for health and wellness centres’
A Reporter
SHILLONG: Along with the rest of the country, the Directorate of Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH), Meghalaya celebrated the 4th National Ayurveda Day on the theme “Ayurveda for Longevity” in Shillong on Friday. The function was graced by Meghalaya Minister of Health & Family Welfare A L Hek as the chief guest.
Present on the occasion were P Bakshi, Secretary Health & Family Welfare-cum-Director of AYUSH, Meghalaya, Ayurvedic physicians and Ayurvedic medical officers from across the State.
The National Ayurveda Day is celebrated every year on the occasion of Dhanwantari Jayanti (Dhanteras). This year Ayurveda Day is being observed on October 25.
The minister in his speech said that Ayurveda is perceived as one of the most ancient and well documented system of medicine which is equally relevant in modern times.
He said that the Government is trying to make an attempt to promote Ayurveda into the mainstream and is committed to reduce the burden of disease and related morbidity and mortality by utilizing the potential of Ayurveda.
Stating that the aim of Ayurveda is to prevent diseases and promote the health and well-being of the people, the minister said that nature is a pharmacy and we have the tools and science to tackle the burden of diseases and therefore it is time for us to take traditional medicines to new heights.
“With its bountiful medicinal plants and herbs, Meghalaya has become a hub for health and wellness centres. So we should make an effort to create a sense of awareness in today’s generation and promote Ayurvedic principles of healing in society,” Hek said.
Bakshi, in his speech said that the main purpose of a healthy lifestyle is to lead a vibrant life for as long as possible. Good nutrition and healthy habits help in contributing to this, he said.
He also said that health, beauty and wellness centres and well-known cosmetics brands are leaning heavily towards pure Ayurveda products and Indian system of medicines and herbs.
He said that the government is making an effort to take advantage of the flagship health programmes of the Government of India that have set aside packages for traditional medicines and to explore the potential of Ayurveda to contribute towards national health policy and national health programmes.
Dr Gaurav Soni of NEIAH, Shillong, Dr W Nonglait, Dr S Dkhar, Dr J Langstang and Ayurvedic medical officers gave presentations relating to Ayurvedic medicines.