President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday inaugurated the National Arogya Fair 2026 at Shegaon in Buldhana district of Maharastra and underscored the invaluable contribution of AYUSH systems of medicine to citizens’ health.
During the event, the President also felicitated six senior Vaidyas for their significant contribution to the field of AYUSH healthcare.
Addressing the gathering, President Murmu said that in Indian tradition, overall health is regarded as the greatest happiness and that healthy citizens play a vital role in strengthening the nation. She noted that AYUSH systems of medicine have made an invaluable contribution to public health, adding that systems such as Yoga, Ayurveda and Siddha have been serving people since the early days of modern medicine.
The President highlighted that India’s farms, kitchens and forests contain a rich treasure of medicinal plants and health-protecting herbs. She said conserving and enhancing this natural wealth is crucial for ensuring the availability of raw materials for medicines and maintaining environmental balance. Cultivation of medicinal plants, she added, not only improves the economic condition of farmers but also contributes to soil health and conservation.
Further, the President said that promoting AYUSH systems supports physical well-being, strengthens economic progress and contributes to environmental conservation at the same time. She added that Ayurveda, Yoga and other AYUSH systems provide guidance on leading a healthy and balanced life.
The President observed that the global community is increasingly recognising the importance of integrative medicine in disease prevention, with people around the world adopting yoga for stress-free living and turning to Ayurvedic treatments and medicines.
President Murmu also emphasised that steps such as evidence-based research, standardisation of medicines and stringent quality control would further enhance the recognition and acceptance of AYUSH systems globally.
Expressing satisfaction, the President said that the Ministry of AYUSH is working continuously in this direction and that general guidelines for research and drug development have been aligned with international standards.
Pointing to ongoing scientific initiatives aimed at establishing the credibility of Ayurveda, Yoga and other AYUSH systems, the President said she was confident that, supported by modern research and global partnerships, traditional medicine would play a central role in holistic healthcare.
