Leh, Mar 13: The National Institute of Sowa-Rigpa (NISR), Leh—an autonomous institute under the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India—in collaboration with The Tawang Foundation, has organised a three-day workshop on “Sowa-Rigpa Medical Heritage and Medicinal Plants of Arunachal Pradesh” at Zomkhang Hall from March 13 to 15.
The workshop commenced with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony by the Chief Guest, Adv. Maling Gombu, Chairman of the Arunachal Pradesh Khadi and Village Industries Board (APKVIB), Government of Arunachal Pradesh, in the presence of dignitaries and participants.
Delivering the welcome address and keynote remarks, Dr. Tsering Thakchoe Drungtso, Professor at NISR, highlighted the importance of preserving and promoting the rich heritage of the Sowa-Rigpa system of medicine and the immense potential of medicinal plants found across the Himalayan and northeastern regions.
The inaugural session also featured remarks from Special Guest Smt. Namgyal Angmo, Deputy Commissioner of Tawang District, and Khenzur Dhondup Tsering, President of IHCNET, Arunachal Pradesh. Guest of Honour Shri Leki Gombu, Chairperson of the Zila Parishad, Tawang, also addressed the gathering, emphasising the need to safeguard traditional knowledge systems for future generations.
During her address, Smt. Namgyal Angmo assured the full support of the district administration for promoting and developing the Sowa-Rigpa system in the region. She encouraged students, researchers, and practitioners to engage in deeper research and academic exploration of traditional medical knowledge within the framework of modern healthcare.
Chief Guest Adv. Maling Gombu appreciated the efforts of Dr. Padma Gurmet, Director of NISR, Leh, for organising the workshop in Tawang. He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at preserving and promoting Sowa-Rigpa in Arunachal Pradesh and across the northeastern states. He also lauded NISR’s initiative in establishing the Sowa-Rigpa Health Care Clinic and expressed hope for further collaborative efforts in Tawang district.
The inaugural ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Shri Tenzing Samcho, President of The Tawang Foundation, who expressed gratitude to the dignitaries, speakers, organisers, and participants for their contributions.
The workshop has attracted more than 100 participants, including residents from Lumla, Tawang and nearby villages, monks and nuns from various monasteries, students, scholars, and practitioners of the Sowa-Rigpa system of medicine.
During the programme, technical sessions are being conducted in which experts are delivering lectures and presentations on the medical heritage of Arunachal Pradesh and the rich diversity of medicinal plants in the region. The sessions aim to deepen understanding of the Sowa-Rigpa system and highlight its relevance for public health and preservation of traditional knowledge.
The workshop will conclude with a vote of thanks by Dr. Phuntsog Tsering, Assistant Professor at NISR, acknowledging the contributions of dignitaries, speakers, participants, and members of The Tawang Foundation for making the event successful.
