Calls for Holistic Public Awareness Campaigns on Ayurveda Across J&K
SRINAGAR: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare, and Education, Sakeena Itoo, today virtually addressed the 10th National Ayurveda Day celebrations organized by the Directorate of Ayush, J&K, at the Convention Centre, Jammu.
The event was attended in person or via video conferencing by Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar; Secretary Health and Medical Education, Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah; Director Ayush, J&K, Dr. Suresh Kumar Sharma; Director Health Services, Jammu; Director Family Welfare J&K; MD JKMSCL; former Directors of Ayush; healthcare professionals; and other officials.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Sakeena Itoo emphasized Ayurveda’s significance as one of the oldest and most effective systems of holistic healthcare. “Ayurveda embodies India’s cultural wisdom, offering a lifestyle and healthcare model deeply connected to nature. The theme ‘Ayurveda for People and Planet’ reminds us that individual health and environmental health are inseparable. It is our responsibility to preserve this knowledge and make it accessible to every household,” she said.
The Minister urged participants to launch comprehensive awareness campaigns on Ayurveda so that its benefits reach every district, panchayat, and community in Jammu and Kashmir. She highlighted that public understanding of Ayurvedic medicines remains limited and stressed that people should be made aware of their lower side effects compared to conventional medicines.
Minister Sakeena also highlighted government initiatives in the health sector, noting that the Omar Abdullah-led administration is committed to extending advanced medical facilities to remote and rural areas. She called on participants to ensure people fully benefit from these initiatives. She lauded the Directorate of Ayush for its efforts in expanding healthcare services, promoting awareness, and engaging youth through education and outreach. She emphasized the need for further public outreach, capacity building, and facility expansion so that Ayush becomes a household name.
Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, praised Ayush’s role in addressing lifestyle disorders and stressed focusing on its strengths, particularly non-communicable diseases. Secretary Health, Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, described Ayurveda as a science of life that emphasizes prevention, lifestyle management, and wellness. He called for research, scientific validation, standardization, and public awareness to make Ayush globally recognized.
In his keynote address, Director Ayush, Dr. Suresh Kumar Sharma, highlighted Ayurveda’s growing importance in modern healthcare. “Ayurveda not only treats diseases but also maintains harmony within the body and with nature. This year’s theme reflects the need for sustainable health practices benefiting both people and the planet. The Directorate of Ayush, J&K is committed to providing quality healthcare and integrating Ayurveda-based preventive and promotive health measures into mainstream services,” he said. He also outlined department achievements, including operationalizing Ayush Health & Wellness Centres, promoting herbal awareness campaigns, and expanding access to traditional healthcare across urban and rural areas.
The event saw enthusiastic participation from nearly 700 medical professionals, paramedical staff, students, and the general public. Celebrations included cultural programs highlighting India’s Ayurvedic heritage and lectures by renowned physicians on immunity, lifestyle disorders, mental wellness, and Ayurveda’s ecological relevance.
Fifteen thematic stalls on Panchakarma therapies, Unani regimens, medicinal plants, yoga, and other Ayurvedic practices were set up, drawing large crowds and offering practical demonstrations to raise awareness about integrating Ayush into daily life.
