Leh, Feb 26: The Sowa Rigpa system of medicine and the National Institute of Sowa Rigpa (NISR), Leh, found mention in the address of President Droupadi Murmu at the inauguration of the National Arogya Mela 2026 in Shegaon, Buldhana district of Maharashtra, bringing Ladakh’s premier traditional medicine institute into the national spotlight.
The four-day event, being held from February 25 to 28, was inaugurated by the President in the presence of Acharya Devvrat, Prataprao Jadhav, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, senior officials from the Ministry of AYUSH, and members of the Maharashtra Government.
In her address, President Murmu referred to the Sowa Rigpa medical tradition and acknowledged the role of the National Institute of Sowa Rigpa, Leh, in advancing education, research and healthcare under this ancient system. Her remarks were received with appreciation by the institute’s delegation, who described the reference as a moment of pride for Ladakh and the wider Sowa Rigpa community.
Speaking on the occasion, the President said that in Indian tradition, overall health is considered the greatest happiness and that healthy citizens play an important role in strengthening the nation. She stated that AYUSH systems of medicine have made an invaluable contribution to public health, adding that systems such as Yoga, Ayurveda and Siddha have served people for centuries.
She observed that farms, kitchens and forests contain a rich repository of medicinal plants and health-protecting herbs. Conserving and enhancing this natural wealth, she said, is essential for ensuring the availability of raw materials for medicines and maintaining ecological balance. Cultivation of medicinal plants not only improves farmers’ livelihoods but also contributes to soil health and conservation. Promoting AYUSH systems, she added, supports both public health and environmental sustainability.
The President further said that Ayurveda, Yoga and other AYUSH systems provide guidance for leading a healthy and balanced life. She noted that the global community is increasingly recognising the importance of integrative medicine in disease prevention. People across the world, she said, are adopting Yoga for a stress-free lifestyle and benefitting from Ayurvedic treatments.
Highlighting the need for scientific validation, she stated that evidence-based research, standardisation of medicines and quality control measures would further strengthen the recognition and acceptance of AYUSH systems. She expressed satisfaction that the Ministry of AYUSH is working in this direction, with general guidelines for research and drug development aligned with international standards. Numerous scientific initiatives, she said, are underway to establish Ayurveda, Yoga and other AYUSH systems as credible responses to modern health challenges. She expressed confidence that through scientific interventions, innovation and global collaboration, traditional systems of medicine would become an integral part of holistic healthcare.
Following the inaugural ceremony, the President and other dignitaries visited various exhibition stalls, including that of NISR Leh. The institute showcased its academic programmes, ongoing research and healthcare services aimed at serving the general public.
The NISR stall drew interest from delegates, healthcare professionals and visitors keen to understand the principles and practices of Sowa Rigpa. During the mela, Amchi physicians conducted traditional diagnosis through observation, palpation and clinical questioning. Medicines were also distributed free of cost to patients seeking consultation.
Officials said participation in the national-level expo provided an opportunity to present the strengths of Sowa Rigpa to a wider audience and to promote awareness about its preventive and curative approaches.
The NISR delegation comprised Dr Tsering Norzom, Dr Lotus Otzer, Rinchen Tundup and Mrs Tsetan Angmo, who interacted with participants and shared information about the institute’s work throughout the four-day programme.
