Sowa-Rigpa Reorientation Program commences in Leh
Integrate Sowa-Rigpa with Modern Care, stay rooted: Dir NISR
Leh, Aug 06: “All Indian systems of traditional medicine, including Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and Sowa-Rigpa, are unified by a common goal — to promote preventive healthcare through holistic, lifestyle-based approaches,” said Dr. Ashok Kumar Varshney, National Organizing Secretary of Arogya Bharti, during the inauguration of a three-day Reorientation Training Program for Sowa-Rigpa practitioners at the National Institute of Sowa-Rigpa (NISR) in Leh.
Speaking as the Chief Guest, Dr. Varshney praised the initiative as a meaningful step toward reinforcing India’s indigenous health systems. Addressing a gathering of practitioners, scholars, and public health experts, he emphasized that the strength of these ancient traditions lies in their focus on maintaining wellness rather than merely curing illness.
The training program opened in the presence of distinguished dignitaries including Dr. Tsetan Dorji Sadutshang, personal physician to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama; Dr. Phuntsog Angehuk, former Director of AYUSH, Jammu & Kashmir; and Shri Sanjeevan Kumar, Regional Coordinator of Arogya Bharti (North and Rajasthan). Dr. Tsewang Dhondup, Assistant Professor at NISR, delivered the welcome address, setting the tone for three days of intensive learning and exchange.
In his keynote, NISR Director Dr. Padma Gurmet outlined the vision and work of the institute and introduced the Tribal Health Care Research Project (THCRP) under which the training is being held. He called for scientific training and methodical orientation as essential to preserving the integrity of Sowa-Rigpa while adapting it to modern healthcare environments.
Delivering a compelling address, Dr. Tsetan Dorji Sadutshang advocated for collaborative learning between Sowa-Rigpa and allopathy. Emphasizing the benefits of mutual knowledge-sharing, he urged the integration of traditional wisdom with contemporary medical practices to enhance patient outcomes.
Over the course of three days, participating Sowa-Rigpa practitioners will engage in clinical training, diagnostic workshops, and interactive case discussions. Led by senior experts in the field, the sessions aim to enhance both the theoretical grounding and practical acumen of practitioners, ensuring the continued relevance of Sowa-Rigpa in India’s evolving health landscape.
The inauguration concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Tashi Stobgais, Associate Professor at NISR, formally launching the program that seeks to elevate traditional knowledge through rigorous training and interdisciplinary engagement.
