Leh, Feb 21: The University of Trans-Disciplinary Health Sciences and Technology (TDU), Bengaluru, organised a felicitation programme on February 19 on the eve of Indian Medical Heritage Day to honour Dr Padma Gurmet, Director of the National Institute of Sowa-Rigpa (NISR), Leh, following his selection for the Padma Shri Award by the Government of India.
According to a press release issued by the National Institute of Sowa-Rigpa, the citation was presented by Her Highness Smt. Pramoda Devi Wadiyar, Queen of Mysore, in the presence of Prof. Darshan Shankar, Vice Chancellor of TDU, along with the Registrar, faculty members, students and other invited guests.
The event also witnessed the felicitation of another Padma Shri awardee for 2026, Prof. N. Punniyamurthy, a retired professor and expert in Ethno-Veterinary practices from Tamil Nadu.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by Prof. Darshan Shankar, who highlighted the contributions of Dr Padma Gurmet and Prof. N. Punniyamurthy towards the preservation and promotion of traditional medical heritage in their respective fields. He underscored their role in advancing indigenous systems of knowledge and sustaining traditional healthcare practices.
Her Highness Pramoda Devi Wadiyar congratulated both recipients and spoke about the contributions of the Mysore royal family towards the preservation and promotion of Indian Knowledge Systems. She acknowledged the work undertaken by practitioners and scholars committed to traditional medicine.
During the ceremony, Dr Padma Gurmet and Prof. N. Punniyamurthy delivered presentations recounting their professional journeys and their efforts in strengthening traditional medicine in the country. Both expressed gratitude to the University of Trans-Disciplinary Health Sciences and Technology, Bengaluru, for the honour conferred upon them.
Dr Padma Gurmet currently serves as Director of the National Institute of Sowa-Rigpa, Leh, an autonomous body under the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India.
The felicitation programme formed part of the Indian Medical Heritage Day observance, bringing together academicians, students and stakeholders engaged in traditional systems of medicine.
