Shillong, Oct 9: Union Minister of AYUSH, 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 NEIAH and AYUSH sectors at Umiam on Saturday,  the Minister assured infrastructural support to the premier institute of the Northeast, increase in stipend and, additionally, he offered to aid in developing the Umiam lake in the State. He urged the Government of Meghalaya to provide a detailed proposal for developing the beautiful lake to attract tourists from across the world and assured that he will pursue it through his Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.

PG course, increasing stipend at NEIAH

Speaking about the NEIAH, the 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 NE in 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.

“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,” said  Sonowal. He announced that the Government will take steps to start PG courses at the institute and stipend for Homoeopathy interns will be increased at par with Ayurveda.

We are committed to develop modern infra in North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda and Homoeopathy. We will take steps to start PG courses at the institute and stipend for Homoeopathy interns will be increased at par with Ayurveda.

— Sarbananda Sonowal (@sarbanandsonwal) October 9, 2021

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,” he said.

Explore potential of nature

Sonowal 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, etc. 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,” said  Sonowal 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.”

‘Sabka Vikas’ for wellness of people

He extended his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for initiating steps for the development of Northeast. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been working day and night for the development of the country. He has especially taken initiatives for the progress of the NE. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Prime Minister,” he stated, adding that the NE is growing faster due to the efforts of the Prime Minister.

The Union Minister urged everyone to work together for ‘Sabka Vikas’. He additionally informed that as per the directions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and AYUSH will work together to achieve a  common goal – wellness of people.

Manufacturing unit of Ayurvedic medicines

Meghalaya Minister for PHE Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar expressed his gratefulness towards Government of India for their decision to establish educational institutes of excellence in the state of Meghalaya. He expressed his belief that once all these institutes become fully functional, students from these region can excel considerably.

Referring to the abundance of natural resources in this region, Tongkhar said that this region accounts for 30 percent of the plant species of the country which enables the country to account for 2.3 percent of the plant species in the world.

The Minister also requested the Union Ayush Minister to consider the feasibility of starting a manufacturing unit of Ayurvedic medicines at the institute itself.

The minister said that these institutes have created opportunities for education and employment, and added, “I am very much inspired today by experiencing the enthusiasm of the students present here for the profession they have been pursuing”.