Union Minister of AYUSH and Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Saturday assured all the support required to promote the traditional system of medicines, Ayurveda in the Northeast, especially Meghalaya.
While speaking at the review meeting on North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda and Homeopathy (NEIAH) and AYUSH sectors at Umiam today the Union Minister assured infrastructural support to the premier institute of the Northeast, increase in stipend.
“I have been informed that there are some issues in this institute. Infrastructure is required here. I assure you that we will provide the infrastructure. We will be taking steps for postgraduate courses and the stipend issue for the interns will also be resolved,” Sonowal said.
The Union Minister announced that the government will take steps to start Post Graduate courses at the institute and stipend for Homoeopathy interns will be increased at par with Ayurveda.
He requested the students and all the associated to work hard in order to promote AYUSH.
“I have a request for you. You have to compete with the best of the best in the world. You have to prove that this is the best institute in the world. You will have to put extra efforts,” Sonowal said.
The Union Minister also urged the people of the State to realize the potential of nature and help build a better environment. He referred to the natural resources such as trees, rivers, hills and cited the immense potential they offer to lead a comfortable life.
“The Northeast has to discover the potential in nature. It has power in it. Therefore, we will have to protect it. Ecology and economy have to go hand in hand,” Sonowal said while addressing the meeting.
He added, “We will have to take care of the economy but not at the cost of ecology. AYUSH will remain as long as nature remains. AYUSH’s life lies on nature.”
Speaking about NEIAH, the Union Minister said that there are plans to promote the institute in a way that it assures wellness for everyone.
“We will try to bring the medicinal plants available in the northeastin our study area. The research findings will help prepare various medicines to treat illnesses,” he informed.
He especially highlighted the department’s goal on completion of the infrastructure.
Meanwhile, Sonowal additionally offered to aid in developing the Umiam lake in the State.
The Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways exhorted the government of Meghalaya to provide a detailed proposal for developing the beautiful lake to attract tourist from across the world and assured that he will pursue it through his Ministry.
