The North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda & Folk Medicine Research (NEIAFMR) in Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh, successfully conducted a dedicated awareness and capacity-building programme aimed at traditional healers from across the Northeast region. Held at the institute’s conference hall, the event brought together more than 40 traditional healers representing five northeastern states to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing.
The primary goal of the programme was to establish a shared platform for meaningful interaction between qualified Ayurveda practitioners and experienced traditional healers. It emphasized promoting the exchange of traditional knowledge, enhancing skills, and exploring ways to integrate folk healing practices into the mainstream AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) healthcare system. Such initiatives highlight the growing recognition of indigenous healing traditions in preserving cultural heritage while contributing to modern public health strategies.
Key highlights of the programme included expert sessions delivered by resource persons Dr. Jayakrishnan K and Dr. Sajeena A, Assistant Professors at NEIAFMR, who covered essential topics such as dietary practices and the proper etiquette for drug preparation in traditional medicine. A special showcase of folk medicine practices allowed participants to demonstrate and discuss their indigenous methods, enriching the interactive sessions.
The event featured prominent dignitaries and speakers, including:
- Dr. Yagling Perme, District Medical Officer (DMO), Pasighat, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, who graced the occasion as Chief Guest.
- Dr. Inya Lingu, Director (I/C) of NEIAFMR, who extended a warm welcome to all participants.
- Dr. Imlikumba, Organising Secretary, who stressed the critical role of capacity building and the urgent need to mainstream traditional healing systems within broader healthcare frameworks.
- Dr. Harshita Bhatnagar, Project Officer at the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, who addressed the gathering.
- Dr. Amal Bawri, Botanist at NEIAFMR, who delivered the vote of thanks.
This programme underscores NEIAFMR’s commitment to acting as an apex research body for folk medicine in the Northeast, while also advancing Ayurvedic education and integration of local health traditions. By bridging traditional wisdom with scientific approaches, such efforts aim to strengthen community health, preserve biodiversity-linked knowledge, and support sustainable healthcare solutions in the region’s diverse tribal communities.
Events like these play a vital role in empowering traditional practitioners, promoting evidence-based practices, and contributing to India’s broader push toward holistic and inclusive health systems under the AYUSH framework.
Tags: NEIAFMR Pasighat, Traditional Healers Programme, Ayurveda Awareness Northeast, Folk Medicine Capacity Building, Pasighat Arunachal Pradesh, AYUSH Integration, Northeast India Health, Traditional Healing Workshop, Arunachal Ayurveda Research, Indigenous Medicine Northeast
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