Shillong, Sep 23: Meghalaya observed the 11th Ayurveda Day today with a call for stronger integration of AYUSH with mainstream health services for preventive and community healthcare.
Organised by the District AYUSH Society, East Khasi Hills under the theme “Ayurveda for Healthier Tomorrow”, the programme was attended by Commissioner & Secretary Health cum Mission Director NAM Dr Joram Beda and ADC East Khasi Hills Prettylisa K Sangma as guests.
Dr Beda said Ayurveda and AYUSH have important roles in the broader health ecosystem and different systems can complement each other. He asked AYUSH doctors to see themselves as equal stakeholders, strengthen presence in remote areas and engage on NFHS-6 indicators like maternal and child health, mortality and stunting.
He said 24 Sub-Centres have been developed into AYUSH Health and Wellness Centres with more in pipeline and opportunities for AYUSH doctors as Community Health Officers and Medical Officers.
Sangma stressed balance through nutrition, physical activity, sleep, mental well-being and harmony with nature, and highlighted the need to document and preserve Meghalaya’s rich indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants.
An educational video on medicinal plants was screened and Dr David L Biate, Scientist ‘D’, Eastern Regional Centre, Botanical Survey of India was felicitated.
In West Garo Hills, the day was celebrated at Tree House Resort, Tura.
Rangsakona MLA Subir Marak highlighted the importance of AYUSH systems of medicine, including Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy. He said the National AYUSH Mission aims to promote traditional healthcare systems, strengthen AYUSH institutions and create awareness on healthy lifestyles.
Dr. Aleathea Angela Rynjah, Ayurvedic Medical Officer, stressed that Ayurveda focuses on preserving health and preventing diseases through proper diet, regular physical activity, adequate sleep and stress management.
Technical sessions were held on medicinal plants, Ayurveda and stress management.
The program also featured cultural performances, a prize distribution ceremony for a poster competition, and appreciation awards for participants of a cleanliness drive.
Meanwhile, NEEPCO observed Ayurveda Day at its corporate office on the theme ‘Ayurveda for Global Health’ led by Dr Alka Kharsati. Session blended Ayurveda with Khasi traditional healing with live demos of locally used herbs, tied with Swachhata Hi Seva 2026.
