SRINAGAR: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare, and Education, Sakeena Itoo, today virtually addressed the 10th National Ayurveda Day celebrations organised by the Directorate of Ayush, J&K, at the Convention Centre, Jammu.
Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar; Secretary Health and Medical Education, Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah; Director Ayush, J&K, Dr. Suresh Kumar Sharma; Director Health Services, Jammu, Director Family Welfare J&K, MD JKMSCL, former Directors of Ayush, Healthcare professionals and other officers also attended the event, either in person or through video conferencing.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister underlined the significance of Ayurveda as one of the oldest and most effective systems of holistic healthcare. “Ayurveda embodies India’s cultural wisdom, offering a lifestyle and healthcare model deeply connected to nature. The theme ‘Ayurveda for People and Planet’ reminds us that the health of individuals and the health of the environment are inseparable. It is our responsibility to preserve this knowledge and make it accessible to every household.”, Minister Sakeena said.
The Minister called upon all the participants to carry out a dedicated awareness campaign on the benefits of Ayurveda so that people take full benefit from it.
“These celebrations will be fruitful only when the message of the benefits of Ayurveda reaches to common masses in every district, in every panchayat and every area of Jammu and Kashmir,” the Minister said.
The Health Minister further said that there is not much awareness about Ayurvedic medicines, highlighting that people should be made aware that Ayurvedic medicines have fewer side effects as compared to general medicines.
Minister Sakeena also highlighted various initiatives of the government in health sector, adding that the Omar Abdullah-led government is determined to take advanced medical care facilities to far flung and rural areas of Jammu and Kashmir. She called upon all the participants that every effort should be made so that the people can take due advantage of these initiatives which is the main purpose of this government.
She further lauded the Directorate of Ayush, J&K for its continuous efforts in expanding Ayush healthcare services, promoting awareness, and bringing traditional systems closer to the youth through education and outreach. She stressed on further public outreach programs, capacity building and extension of facilities in each nook and corner of J&K, so that Ayush becomes a household name.
Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, in his address lauded the role of Ayush in lifestyle disorders. He stressed on the need to focus on the strength areas of Ayush like Non-communicable diseases.
Secretary Health, Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed in his virtual address, Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, said that Ayurveda is a science of life that goes beyond curative medicine by addressing prevention, lifestyle management, and wellness and its integrative approach is essential in combating the modern epidemic of lifestyle disorders. He stressed on Research and Development, Scientific Validation, Standardization and mass public awareness so that Ayush becomes the most acceptable system all over the globe.
In his key note address, Director Ayush, Dr. Suresh Kumar Sharma highlighted the growing importance of Ayurveda in today’s healthcare landscape. He said, “Ayurveda not only aims to cure diseases but also to maintain harmony within the body and with nature. The theme for this year reflects the need for sustainable health practices that benefit both people and the planet. The Directorate of Ayush, J&K is committed to providing quality Ayush healthcare services across the Union Territory and to integrate Ayurveda-based preventive and promotive health measures into the mainstream.”
He also elaborated on the achievements of the department, including the operationalization of Ayush Health & Wellness Centres, promotion of herbal awareness campaigns, and expanding access to traditional healthcare in rural and urban areas alike.
The mega event witnessed the enthusiastic participation of nearly 700 medical professionals, paramedical staff, students, and members of the general public. The celebration was enriched with cultural programmes reflecting India’s Ayurvedic heritage, as well as inspiring lectures by renowned Ayurvedic physicians on subjects like immunity building, lifestyle disorders, mental wellness, and the ecological significance of Ayurveda.
On the sidelines of the function, 15 thematic stalls were installed, showcasing Ayurvedic methodologies, Panchakarma therapies, Unani regimental therapies, medicinal plants, and yoga asanas. These stalls attracted large crowds and provided hands-on knowledge and demonstrations, creating awareness among the participants about the practical applications of Ayush systems in daily life.
