Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday inaugurated the National Arogya Fair 2026 in Shegaon, located in Maharashtra’s Buldhana district, emphasising the enduring and expanding role of AYUSH systems in strengthening public health and promoting holistic well-being.
Addressing a large gathering of practitioners, researchers, students and members of the public, the President underlined that in Indian philosophy, good health has always been considered the foundation of happiness and prosperity. She noted that a healthy population is essential for national progress and social stability, adding that traditional systems of medicine have long supported this vision.
During the inaugural ceremony, President Murmu felicitated six senior Vaidyas in recognition of their lifetime contributions to the promotion and practice of AYUSH healthcare. Their work, she said, reflects the deep-rooted knowledge traditions that continue to serve communities across the country.
The President highlighted the significant contribution of the AYUSH systems—Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy—to India’s healthcare landscape. She observed that practices such as yoga and Ayurveda have been guiding people toward balanced lifestyles since the early phases of modern medical development. According to her, these systems focus not only on treating illness but also on prevention and overall wellness.
Emphasising India’s natural wealth, President Murmu pointed out that the country’s farms, kitchens and forests hold a vast repository of medicinal plants and health-promoting herbs. She stressed the importance of conserving and enriching this biodiversity to ensure the sustainable availability of raw materials required for traditional medicines. Protecting natural ecosystems, she said, is vital not only for healthcare but also for maintaining environmental balance.
The President further noted that the cultivation of medicinal plants can significantly improve farmers’ livelihoods. By encouraging the organised farming of such crops, rural incomes can rise while also supporting soil conservation and ecological sustainability. She described this as a model where healthcare advancement, economic development and environmental protection move forward together.
Speaking about the broader impact of AYUSH systems, President Murmu said that their promotion strengthens physical well-being while contributing to economic growth and environmental awareness. Ayurveda and Yoga, she remarked, offer practical guidance on leading disciplined and harmonious lives, aligning physical health with mental and spiritual balance.
She also drew attention to the growing global interest in integrative medicine. Across continents, people are increasingly embracing yoga to manage stress and improve mental health. Similarly, Ayurvedic therapies and herbal formulations are gaining international acceptance as complementary approaches to preventive and therapeutic care. This trend, she observed, demonstrates the universal relevance of India’s traditional knowledge systems.
However, the President emphasised that sustained global recognition requires a strong foundation of scientific validation. She called for greater focus on evidence-based research, standardisation of formulations and stringent quality control mechanisms. Such measures, she said, would enhance credibility and build confidence among international healthcare communities.
Expressing satisfaction with ongoing initiatives, President Murmu acknowledged the efforts of the Ministry of AYUSH in aligning research protocols and drug development guidelines with international standards. She noted that the government has taken concrete steps to strengthen institutional research, documentation and global collaboration in traditional medicine.
The President also referred to various scientific studies aimed at establishing the efficacy and safety of Ayurveda, Yoga and other AYUSH disciplines. With modern research tools and expanding global partnerships, she expressed confidence that traditional systems would play an increasingly central role in comprehensive healthcare models.
The National Arogya Fair 2026 serves as a platform to showcase advancements in AYUSH therapies, medicinal plant cultivation, wellness practices and research innovations. The event brings together experts, practitioners and policymakers to discuss strategies for expanding access to safe, affordable and holistic healthcare solutions.
Concluding her address, President Murmu reiterated that integrating time-tested wisdom with modern scientific approaches can create a resilient and inclusive healthcare framework. By nurturing its traditional medical heritage while embracing global standards, India, she said, is well positioned to lead the world in holistic and preventive healthcare.