Bhubaneswar: Ayurveda which is an ancient and rich medical science, has been an integral part of Indian culture and tradition for over 5,000 years, Chief Minister Mohan Majhi said.
While addressing the 75th anniversary of Gopabandhu Ayurveda College in Puri in the presence of President Droupadi Murmu, Majhi explained that Ayurveda is a complete health science that emphasizes the importance of proper treatment, balanced diet, and lifestyle.
Majhi noted that the human body, composed of five basic elements – sky, air, fire, water, and earth, along with the soul – can achieve harmony with nature and increase the quality of life through Ayurveda.
Established in 1949 as an Ayurvedic Vidyapeeth, Gopabandhu Ayurveda College has evolved into a model institution, attracting students from across the country for higher education in Ayurveda, the CM pointed out. The college has produced many renowned Ayurvedic experts in the state and nation.
The government of India led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken significant steps to promote Ayurveda, including the formation of the Ministry of AYUSH in 2014. The Government has also decided to celebrate ‘World Ayurveda Day’ on the birth anniversary of Dev-Vaidya Bhagwan Dhanvantari, the CM said.
In Odisha, there are currently three government Ayurveda colleges and one private Ayurveda college, along with 520 Ayurveda clinics and five Ayurveda hospitals.
“Our government has built 250-bed AYUSH hospitals in Dhenkanal and Ganjam. These will be dedicated to the public very soon and the public can get health services from these two institutions. Along with the construction of new hospitals, steps are also being taken to increase the performance of various Ayurveda hospitals providing services in the state,” Majhi said.
Majhi announced that the state government will take steps to improve Gopabandhu Ayurveda College and make it an institution of excellence. He also emphasized the importance of Ayurveda and its complementary role with allopathy in providing effective healthcare services.
The Chief Minister paid tributes to the institution’s founder, Pandit Lingaraj Mishra. The occasion was graced by the presence of President Droupadi Murmu and the Governor of Odisha Raghubar Das.
