President Droupadi Murmu, inaugurated the
four-day National Arogya Fair 2026 at Shegaon in Buldhana district, Maharashtra
on February 25. Policymakers, researchers, practitioners, farmers, industry
representatives among others are attending the event organised by the Ministry
of Ayush in collaboration with the All India Ayurvedic Congress.
The President said “Aarogyam Paramam
Sukham,” ( good health is the greatest happiness) according to traditions. She
emphasised that a healthy body is the primary instrument for performing all
duties and they help strengthen the nation. She said Ayurveda, Yoga,
Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa and Homoeopathy have made invaluable
contributions in preventive, promotive and curative healthcare and continue to
guide society towards balanced living.
True wellness requires harmony between body
and mind and Ayush systems offer not merely treatment, but a comprehensive
lifestyle framework based on balanced diet, daily and seasonal regimens, yoga,
meditation and natural therapies. Preventive and holistic healthcare is
essential for reducing disease burden and promoting long-term wellbeing, she
said
India possesses a rich heritage of
medicinal plants and traditional knowledge and their conservation and scientific
cultivation would support sustainable healthcare, enhance farmers’ incomes and
protect the environment.
She paid homage to Sant Shri Gajanan Maharaj
who had dedicated his life for public welfare.
Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat, described
Ayurveda as a timeless scientific tradition established by India’s ancient
Rishis, whom he referred to as the earliest research scholars. He emphasized
that the human body, composed of the five elements, can be healed best through
alignment with nature and that preventive healthcare is superior to curative
approaches.
He urged practitioners to uphold
authenticity, ensure quality in medicines and maintain unwavering faith in
their own disciplines. He congratulated the Ministry of Ayush for strengthening
India’s traditional knowledge systems at national and global levels.
Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State
(Independent Charge) for Ayush, said Fair is not merely a health camp, but a
powerful national initiative to strengthen India’s holistic healthcare
traditions and connect them directly with the people. He stressed that
combining traditional wisdom with modern scientific parameters will further
enhance global trust in Ayush.
Highlighting the immense potential of Ayush
tourism, he said that India can become the “crown of the world” in the field of
holistic wellness. He stated that through Ayurveda, Yoga and natural therapies,
India has the capability to lead the global wellness movement. The expansion of
Ayush tourism would not only establish India as a global wellness destination
but also generate employment, strengthen rural economies, and benefit farmers
engaged in medicinal plant cultivation.
The President conferred the Lifetime
Ayurvedic Gaurav Samman upon eminent practitioners in recognition of their
exceptional contributions to Ayurveda. The awardees included Vaidya Devendra
Triguna, Vaidya Rakesh Sharma, Dr. Ashutosh Gupta, Dr. Manisha Kotekar, P. M.
Varier, and Dr. Ramdas, whose dedicated service and innovative work have
significantly advanced traditional medicine, public health initiatives, and
community wellbeing through Ayush systems. The President also visited the
National Arogya Fair.
