Shillong, Sept 24: Meghalaya observed the 11th Ayurveda Day, today with a renewed emphasis on holistic, preventive and community-based healthcare, as the State called for stronger integration of AYUSH systems with mainstream health services to address emerging health challenges.
Organised by the District AYUSH Society, East Khasi Hills, at the Meghalaya State Guest House, Shillong, the programme was held under the theme “Ayurveda for Healthier Tomorrow.” The celebration brought together Dr. Joram Beda, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary Health and Family Welfare cum Mission Director, National AYUSH Mission, Meghalaya, as Chief Guest and Smt. Prettylisa K. Sangma, MCS, Additional Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District, AYUSH practitioners and other officials.
The programme placed particular focus on moving beyond a treatment-centric understanding of healthcare, highlighting the role of lifestyle, nutrition, preventive care and traditional knowledge in building healthier communities. It also drew attention to Meghalaya’s rich indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants and traditional practices and the need to preserve and responsibly carry this knowledge forward.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Joram Beda, IAS emphasised that Ayurveda and other AYUSH systems have an important role to play in the broader health ecosystem. He noted that healthcare challenges require multiple perspectives and that different systems of medicine can complement one another in improving health outcomes.
He called upon AYUSH doctors to view themselves as equal stakeholders in the State’s healthcare system and continue strengthening their presence, particularly in remote and underserved areas. Referring to health indicators emerging from NFHS-6, Dr. Beda encouraged all AYUSH professionals to engage more closely with issues such as maternal and child health, mortality and stunting, and explore solutions within their respective disciplines.
He also highlighted ongoing efforts by the Government to expand AYUSH infrastructure and opportunities for AYUSH professionals. Several AYUSH facilities are already operational, with additional facilities in the pipeline. Twenty-Four Sub-Centres across Meghalaya have been developed into AYUSH Health and Wellness Centres, while efforts are underway to expand the network further and provide opportunities for AYUSH doctors to serve as Community Health Officers or Medical Officers.
The emphasis on prevention and healthy living was further reinforced by Smt. Prettylisa K. Sangma, who highlighted Ayurveda’s approach to maintaining balance and well-being through everyday practices. She pointed to the importance of proper nutrition, regular physical activity, adequate sleep, mental well-being and harmony with nature as essential components of a healthy lifestyle.
Sangma also drew attention to the medicinal plants and herbs traditionally used by communities in Meghalaya. She observed that many such plants, despite being readily available in local surroundings, are often overlooked, and stressed the importance of documenting, preserving and passing traditional knowledge on to younger generations.
She underlined that indigenous knowledge can continue to contribute to healthier lives when understood and applied responsibly alongside modern scientific knowledge and professional medical guidance. The call for preservation of such knowledge assumes particular significance for Meghalaya, where communities have long maintained close relationships with the natural environment and locally available medicinal resources.
The programme also featured an educational video showcasing medicinal plants of Meghalaya and included the felicitation of Dr. David L. Biate, Scientist ‘D’, Eastern Regional Centre of the Botanical Survey of India, in recognition of their contribution.
The programme was chaired by Dr. Nakaniwanroi Toi, Ayurvedic Consultant, National AYUSH Mission, Meghalaya, Shillong, while Dr. F. Khonglah proposed the vote of thanks.
