The District Medical and Health Officer, West Jaintia Hills commemorated the 10th Ayurveda Day today at the District Library Auditorium, Mynthong Jowai, on the theme, ‘Ayurveda for People & Planet’
The event aimed to foster awareness about significant benefits of Ayurveda potential in healthcare, promotion of its holistic approach, and its integration into mainstream healthcare systems.
The programme was graced by Health Minister Shri. Wailadmiki Shylla who attended as chief guest while Deputy Commissioner Shri. Abhinav Kumar Singh, IAS as the guest of honour. Dr. P.Shylla, District Medical & Health Officer, West Jaintia Hills was also present.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri. Wailadmiki Shylla highlighted the government’s commitment to expanding Ayush infrastructure across the state. He noted the ongoing and upcoming projects including Ayush Hospital, new facilities in Sohra, the tendering process in Garo hills and the ongoing construction of a 30 bedded Ayush hospital in Mookyndur, West Jaintia Hills.
He emphasised Ayush is not just about treatment but a way of life, promoting disciplined lifestyle as the best preventive medicine, He appreciated the individual approach of Ayush treatments.
Shylla, highlighted the untapped potential of Meghalaya’s abundant medicinal plant resources, urging the local doctors and stakeholders to take the lead in establishing medicine manufacturing and pharmacy facilities. He emphasised that harnessing these natural resources would strengthen the state’s Ayush sector and contribute to sustainable healthcare solutions.
Deputy Commissioner Abhinav Kumar Singh, highlighted that Ayurveda goes beyond treating illness, focusing on prevention and overall wellbeing and stressed that adopting simple practices like balanced diet, yoga and natural remedies helps maintain balance between body, mind and environment, thus fostering a healthier and more harmonious society.
Dr. Bonnie Hinge, in her introductory speech emphasised that Ayurveda promotes the harmony of mind, body and spirit, champions biodiversity, organic farming and respects soils as sacred. She noted that while Ayurveda is not a magic wand to solve climate change overnight, it provides a guiding compass where healing the person contributes to healing the planet. Dr. Bonnie described Ayurveda as a mirror reflecting the sole being and called it a forward-looking system that integrates health, balance and joy. She urged everyone to adopt simple Ayurvedic practices to promote persons wellbeing and planetary health.
Dr. Yoolang Sumer, highlighted the current scenario of Ayurvedic medicines in the state, noting the growing recognition of Ayurveda for its role in preventive healthcare, holistic wellness, immunity building and treatment of chronic and lifestyle disease, especially in the post Covid era. He emphasised that while the state has made progress in establishing institutions and hospitals, challenges remain such as lack of local medicine manufacturing and limited pharmacy facilities.
Dr. Sakachica Dkhar provided a comprehensive overview of the activities conducted. The dignitaries were welcomed by Shri. Pynkhreh Susngi, while the vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Lukarisa Rymbai. The winners in the essay competition were also awarded today.
