On Wednesday, President Droupadi Murmu strongly advocated for the cultivation of medicinal plants, emphasizing that this not only improves the financial situation of farmers but also enhances soil health.
Speaking after inaugurating the 2026 National Arogya Fair in Shegaon, Maharashtra, she stated that the "valuable wealth" of medicinal plants is crucial not only for providing raw materials for medicines but also for maintaining environmental balance.
Highlighting good health as the ultimate happiness, she said that healthy citizens play a vital role in strengthening the country, and that disease prevention benefits both individuals and reduces the burden on the country's healthcare system.
The Union Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy), in collaboration with All India Ayurvedic Congress, is organizing the National Arogya Fair between February 25 and 28.
The President stated that she promotes Ayurveda and leads a life based on Ayurvedic principles.
She said she was born and raised in a natural environment.
"It is said that nature provides for all the body's needs. However, this has changed, and we now rely on others for medicine as forests have disappeared. Forests are being cleared, and Ayurvedic herbs and medicinal plants are also becoming scarce. Therefore, I believe that not only the government, but everyone should focus on promoting medicinal plants for better health," she said.
Even Ayurvedic researchers are finding it difficult to obtain medicinal plants, President Murmu said.
She stressed the need to cultivate medicinal plants without relying on the government.
"According to Indian tradition, 'aarogyam paramam sukham' – holistic health is the greatest happiness. The body is the primary means to fulfill all duties. Healthy citizens play an important role in making the country strong," the President said.
AYUSH medical methods have made invaluable contributions in keeping the country's citizens healthy, and yoga and Ayurveda have been serving people since the time when modern medicine was not prevalent, she said.
"In our agricultural fields, kitchens, and forest areas, there is a valuable treasure of medicinal plants and health-protecting herbs. Conserving and promoting this valuable wealth is important not only for providing raw materials for medicines but also for maintaining environmental balance. Cultivating medicinal plants not only improves the economic condition of farmers but also helps in soil health and conservation," she added.
Therefore, promoting AYUSH methods improves not only people's physical and economic health but also strengthens environmental conservation, the President noted.
The concept of complete human health, encompassing both mind and body, is gaining acceptance worldwide. Ayurveda, yoga, and other AYUSH methods provide a path to a healthy and balanced life, Murmu said.
Ayurveda provides scientific guidelines for diet, daily routines, and disease prevention. This system is not limited to treating diseases but is a holistic approach to health management. Yoga emphasizes asanas, pranayama, and meditation for a healthy body and mind. Naturopathy provides ways to treat and stay healthy using natural elements. The Siddha system offers a holistic approach to healthcare, she said.
Although Unani and homeopathy originated outside India, they are now integral parts of the AYUSH system and play a crucial role in keeping the country's citizens healthy, she said.
Unani is almost non-existent in its country of origin, but is widely used in India. It is a universally accepted fact that the policy of "prevention is better than cure" is the most effective. Disease prevention benefits not only individuals but also reduces the burden on the country's healthcare system. That is why emphasis is now being placed on preventive measures such as regular exercise, proper diet, and balanced lifestyles, she said.
The world now understands the importance of integrated medical systems in preventing diseases. People worldwide are adopting yoga as part of a stress-free and healthy lifestyle. People around the world are benefiting from Ayurvedic treatments and medicines, President Murmu added.
Leveraging the accumulated knowledge of AYUSH medical methods, the Indian government has taken many steps in the last decade to provide a healthy future for the world, she said.
AYUSH departments have been established in all new AIIMS hospitals in the country. Many improvements have been made in AYUSH education and training to increase the availability of professionals in this field. The National Institute of Sowa Rigpa in Leh is promoting medicine, education, and research, Murmu added.
Evidence-based research, standardization of medicines, and quality control measures will further increase the recognition and acceptability of AYUSH methods, she said.
"Through modern scientific interventions, innovations, and global cooperation, we will be able to make AYUSH simpler, more accessible, and popular, and successfully integrate it into the contemporary health system," she said.
Earlier, the President offered prayers at the Shri Gajanan Maharaj temple in Shegaon.
In her speech, Murmu said she felt heartfelt joy in being present in the sacred land of Gajanan Maharaj, who dedicated his entire life to public welfare.
His mantra of 'Gan Gan Ganat Bote' teaches to view all living beings with equal sentiment. This teaching is an eternal truth, she said.