India Advances Sowa-Rigpa System with New Initiatives
The Union Minister of State for Ayush, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, recently led the 2nd Governing Body Meeting of the National Institute of Sowa-Rigpa (NISR) in New Delhi. During the meeting, the Minister unveiled a comprehensive plan aimed at enhancing the traditional medical system of Sowa-Rigpa through scientific research, academic rigor, and institutional evolution across the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR).
Strengthening Sowa-Rigpa for Global Reach
In setting clear goals for the future, Shri Jadhav emphasized that the next phase of Sowa-Rigpa’s development should concentrate on bolstering scientific research, adhering to international standards, and broadening its influence beyond regional confines. He stated, “Our objective has evolved from mere infrastructure development to establishing Sowa-Rigpa as a widely recognized healthcare system, both within India and globally. Our commitment is to present Sowa-Rigpa as an evidence-based medical science on the global stage. Achieving this will require a significant acceleration in our research efforts, beginning with an independent research council as a pivotal step forward.”
A Holistic Approach to Traditional Medicine
Shri Jadhav underlined the importance of integrating traditional knowledge with scientific methodologies, emphasizing the creation of a sustainable ecosystem. He stated that the NISR is entrusted with more than just the medical traditions of Ladakh; it is a guardian of the rich medical heritage of the entire IHR. He called for enhanced cooperation with Himalayan communities to foster sustainable cultivation of rare medicinal plants and eco-friendly practices.
Preserving Historical Manuscripts
During the meeting, the Minister advocated for the preservation of ancient Bhoti language manuscripts that encapsulate Sowa-Rigpa’s rich heritage. He proposed a digitization initiative to make these manuscripts accessible to the public and researchers alike, highlighting that this step is crucial for safeguarding India’s traditional medical knowledge and promoting future research.
Ministry’s Commitment to Traditional Healthcare
Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to bolstering institutions that honor and advance India’s traditional medical wisdom through modern scientific practices. He recognized NISR’s significant contributions in education, clinical services, and research, underscoring the Ministry’s ongoing support for its future growth.
Acknowledgment of Contributions
The Governing Body paid tribute to Dr. Padma Gurmet, Director of NISR, who received the Padma Shri award in 2026 for his remarkable contributions to the field of medicine, notably in reviving and institutionalizing Sowa-Rigpa. Dr. Gurmet outlined the Institute’s achievements and future plans, emphasizing the importance of expanding Sowa-Rigpa’s impact across India.
About Sowa-Rigpa
Sowa-Rigpa, which translates to “Knowledge of Healing” in the Bhoti language, is one of the oldest traditional medical systems globally and has gained recognition under the Ayush framework of the Government of India. With its roots in the Himalayan region and neighboring countries, Sowa-Rigpa represents a treasure trove of ancestral medical knowledge that has flourished through the ages.
The Governing Body’s discussions indicated a strong commitment to enhancing the National Institute of Sowa-Rigpa’s role as the leading entity for education, research, and health services in Sowa-Rigpa, reaffirming the Ministry’s support for its mission of advancing this age-old medical tradition through scientific validation and greater public outreach.
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