Siddha Medicine Celebrated at 9th Siddha Day in Chennai
The Vice President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, inaugurated the 9th Siddha Day celebrations at Kalaivanar Arangam in Chennai today, emphasizing the importance of Siddha medicine as a preventive and sustainable healthcare system in today’s world. Speaking to an audience of policymakers, practitioners, academicians, and students, he underlined the philosophy and scientific depth of Siddha, illustrating its holistic integration of body, mind, and nature.
During his address, the Vice President articulated that India’s traditional medical systems, such as Siddha, Ayurveda, and Yoga, are far from being relics of the past. These living traditions are pivotal in promoting health and wellness for millions in India and around the globe. He stated that Siddha medicine boasts ancient roots, rooted in millennia of accumulated knowledge, and promotes a harmonious relationship among body, mind, and environment.
Expressing admiration for the exhibitions showcasing ancient palm-leaf manuscripts, classical texts, and medicinal herbs, the Vice President praised the commendable efforts of scholars and institutions dedicated to preserving India’s rich medical heritage. He pointed out the threats posed to invaluable texts due to historical neglect and lack of documentation, advocating for ongoing initiatives in collection, conservation, and research to safeguard this knowledge for coming generations.
The Vice President also highlighted Siddha medicine’s focus on preventive care, lifestyle management, and addressing underlying disease causes, noting its significance in our fast-paced, stress-filled modern lifestyle. While recognizing advances in modern medical diagnostics, he reiterated the crucial role traditional practices like Siddha can play in long-term healing and restoring balance in individuals, calling on practitioners to promote public trust through responsible, evidence-based practices.
A Call for Research and Recognition
Encouraging young researchers and students, the Vice President expressed optimism that continued research in Siddha could yield groundbreaking scientific discoveries, potentially leading to cures for currently untreatable diseases. He urged support for scholars undertaking advanced studies, hoping future generations will bring global recognition to India’s traditional medicinal knowledge.
Minister of State Shri Prataprao Jadhav, who attended the ceremony, remarked that Siddha medicine represents a sophisticated understanding of health and nature, underscoring its significance in modern holistic healthcare. He noted that thanks to the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the establishment of the Ministry of Ayush in 2014, traditional medicinal systems in India have seen transformative advancements.
Shri Jadhav highlighted achievements in Siddha education and research, including enhanced infrastructure at the National Institute of Siddha and innovative training programs. He mentioned the inclusion of Siddha Morbidity Codes in the WHO ICD-11 and anticipated international terminologies, which will firmly establish Siddha in the global healthcare landscape.
Honoring Contributors to Siddha
During the event, five distinguished personalities were honored for their remarkable contributions to Siddha medicine. Awardees included Dr. B. Michael Jeyaraj, Dr. T. Kannan Rajaram, the late Dr. I. Sornamariammal, Dr. Mohana Raj, and Prof. Dr. V. Banumathi, recognized for their lifelong dedication to service, research, manuscript preservation, and education within the Siddha system.
This year’s Siddha Day, themed “Siddha for Global Health,” gathered Siddha practitioners, scientists, academicians, and students from across the nation, reinforcing the Ministry of Ayush’s dedication to advancing Siddha medicine through research, education, innovation, and global collaboration.
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