President Murmu inaugurates National Health Fair in Shegaon, urges public movement to preserve medicinal plants

Inaugurating the ‘National Arogya Fair 2026’ in Maharashtra’s Shegaon, President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday (February 25, 2026) emphasised that the conservation of medicinal plants must transcend the boundaries of government schemes and evolve into a full-fledged people’s movement.

She asserted that India’s traditional knowledge systems particularly Ayurveda and Yoga, hold the key to global wellness.

“The mantra for a balanced and healthy life, which harmonises the mind and body, is found in Yoga and Ayurveda. ‘Arogya Param Sukham’ (Health is the ultimate wealth) is the enduring teaching of our culture. The body is an instrument to fulfil all duties. To build a strong nation, the lives of its citizens must be healthy,” Ms. Murmu said.

The fair has been organised by the Ministry of AYUSH in collaboration with the All India Ayurveda Mahasammelan at the Visawa Bhaktanivas Complex. Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat, Union Minister of State for AYUSH Prataprao Jadhav, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse, State Labour Minister Adv. Akash Fundkar, District Guardian Minister Makarand Jadhav Patil, were present among several other dignitaries.

Herbal wealth as national asset

Addressing the gathering, President Murmu stressed that while the establishment of All India Ayurveda Institutes, AYUSH dispensaries, and drug testing laboratories are significant steps, they must be complemented by grassroots efforts to expand the area under medicinal plants.

“Conserving medicinal plants should not be left solely to the administration. It must become a Jan Andolan (people’s movement),” she said, urging citizens to integrate medicinal plants into their surroundings and daily lives.

Governor Acharya Devvrat echoed her sentiments, pointing out that plants with medicinal properties have been an integral part of the Indian diet since ancient times. “Our traditional, knowledge-based lifestyle ensured that illness rarely took root. However, the inclusion of unnatural and unnecessary foods has led to a rise in diseases. Ayurveda offers a way back to balance,” he said.

Union Minister of State Prataprao Jadhav highlighted that the world is increasingly turning towards ‘wellness’ and holistic healthcare. “The foundation of AYUSH lies in preventive care and comprehensive well-being. India, with its unbroken tradition of ancient medical systems, is poised to lead the world in this domain,” he said.

Mr. Jadhav also announced that efforts are underway to establish a separate AYUSH Ministry in Maharashtra, which would further benefit medicinal plant farmers and practitioners. He noted that Shegaon was chosen as the venue for the National Health Fair to extend the benefits of AYUSH treatments to the needy across Vidarbha and the rest of the State.

Guardian Minister Makarand Jadhav Patil also addressed the gathering, underscoring the district’s commitment to promoting traditional medicine.

On the occasion, senior physicians who have made outstanding contributions to the field of Ayurveda were felicitated. Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the Ministry of AYUSH, presented the introductory remarks. The event was attended by a host of senior officials, including Divisional Commissioner Shweta Singhal, Special Inspector General of Police Dr. Ramnath Pokale, District Collector Dr. Kiran Patil, and Superintendent of Police Nilesh Tambe.

The National Health Fair, which will remain open for public participation, features free health check-ups and consultations by renowned expert doctors from across the country. Information kiosks set up by AYUSH medicine manufacturing companies, government institutions, research centres, and prominent colleges are providing visitors with insights into traditional healthcare systems.

A special attraction is the herbal medicine exhibition curated by Dr. Punjabrao Deshmukh Agricultural University’s Nagarjuna Herb Garden, offering a rare glimpse of endangered and beneficial herbs. Workshops for farmers on medicinal plant cultivation, along with informative lectures for students and citizens, are also part of the week-long event.