Gangtok, February 27(IPR): A two-day National Level Training Workshop on Survey and Documentation of Ayurvedic Medicinal Plants was organised by the Regional Ayurveda Research Institute, Gangtok, in collaboration with the G B Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment at the conference hall of G B Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment, Pangthang, today.
The programme had the presence of Advisor, AYUSH, Mr Arjun Kumar Ghatani, as the Chief Guest.
In his address, Advisor, AYUSH, Mr Arjun Kumar Ghatani, highlighted that the workshop is meaningful and forward-looking, and discussed the rich flora of the state. He highlighted the deep-rooted Ayurvedic tradition associated with medicinal plants and emphasised the role of nature in maintaining health and ecological balance. He stressed that proper documentation ensures the transmission of traditional knowledge to future generations.
He further outlined the efforts of the State Government in strengthening healthcare development. Emphasising the need for conservation of medicinal plants, he encouraged participants to exchange ideas and make effective use of the workshop as a platform to promote and strengthen Ayurveda.
Vice Chancellor, SRM University, Sikkim, Cdr. Dr Gurdaman L. Sharma, in his address, highlighted the significance of the workshop. He emphasised that such academic engagements not only strengthen knowledge but also foster collaboration and innovation among institutions and researchers.
Referring to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, he encouraged youth to actively contribute their knowledge, skills, and dedication towards achieving the goal. He also underlined the importance of systematic documentation of survey findings, stressing that proper recording and preservation of knowledge are essential for future reference, policy planning, and sustainable development.
In his address, Director General, CCRAS, New Delhi, Prof. Vd. Rabinarayan Acharya, elaborated on Ayurveda and its historical development as a system of medicine. He emphasised the need for collaboration with various institutions to foster a deeper understanding of the discipline. He also highlighted the significance of medicinal plants found in the Himalayan region, noting their superior quality and their valuable contribution to scientific advancement.
Regional Head, G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment, Sikkim, Dr Rajesh Joshi, in his address, briefed on the programme and outlined its objectives and framework. He elaborated on the mandate of the institute and its establishment, highlighting its role in advancing environmental research. He emphasised that research should focus on developing evidence-based solutions for the proper utilisation of resources and stressed the importance of analysing data through strategic and systematic methods.
In his welcome address, Assistant Director In-charge, CCRAS-RARI, Sikkim, Dr Achintya Mitra, highlighted the significance and rich diversity of medicinal plants. He stated that the workshop was organised to strengthen knowledge on medicinal plants and to emphasise the importance of proper documentation for future use. He further underscored the need to promote research and encourage meaningful academic discussions in the field.
Also present were the Vice Chancellor, SRM University, Sikkim, Cdr. Dr Gurdaman L. Sharma, Head, ICAR-NEH, Gangtok, Dr Ashok Kumar, Regional Head, G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment, Sikkim, Dr Rajesh Joshi, Assistant Director In-charge, CCRAS-RARI, Sikkim, Dr Achintya Mitra and joined online by Director General, CCRAS, New Delhi, Prof. Vd. Rabinarayan Acharya, research scholars, practitioners, students and other dignitaries.
The second session of the workshop featured a technical presentation.
The First speaker, Prof. A. Damodaran, Visiting Professor, Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore, delivered a session on Application of Digital Distributed Network Technologies in the Conservation of Medicinal Plants.
The Second speaker, Dr Rajib Gogoi, Scientist – F & Head, Sikkim Himalayan Regional Centre, Botanical Survey of India, Sikkim, presented on Medicinal Plants – An overview in context to the Sikkim Region.
The Third speaker, Dr Shiddamallayya N, Research Officer (Botany) & Nodal Officer, Medicinal Plant Research, CCRAS, HQ, New Delhi, presented insights on Medico- Ethno Botanical Survey, Documentation and Validation of Local Health Practices.
The Fourth speaker, Dr Lokesh Deb, Scientist–
EBRIC-Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development, Sikkim, is detailed in Ethnopharmacological Survey and Documentation of Traditional Health Care Knowledge- Strategy and Challenges.
The session concluded with an interactive discussion.
The Vote of Thanks was delivered by Research Officer (Bot.), RARI, Sikkim, Dr Jagdish Chandra Arya.