President Droupadi Murmu during the ‘Arogya National Fair 2026’ at Shegaon, Buldhana, Maharashtra on February 25, 2026. | Photo credit: ANI
Inaugurating the ‘Arogya National Fair 2026’ in Maharashtra’s Shegaon on Wednesday (February 25, 2026), President Droupadi Murmu emphasized that medicinal plant conservation must go beyond government schemes and evolve into a full-fledged people’s movement.
She argued that traditional Indian knowledge systems, particularly Ayurveda and Yoga, are the key to global wellness.
“The mantra for a balanced and healthy life that harmonizes the mind and body is found in Yoga and Ayurveda. ‘Arogya Param Sukham’ (Health is the highest wealth) is an enduring teaching of our culture. The body is a tool to fulfill all duties. To build a strong nation, the lives of its citizens must be healthy,” Ms. Murmu said.
The fair was organized by the Ministry of AYUSH in collaboration with the All India Ayurveda Mahasammelan at Visawa Bhaktanivas Complex. Governor of Maharashtra Acharya Devvrat, Minister of State for AYUSH Prataprao Jadhav, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse, Minister of State for Labor Adv. Akash Fundkar, District Minister for Makarand Jadhav Patil Guardians was present among several other dignitaries.
Plant wealth as national wealth
Addressing the gathering, President Murmu emphasized that while the establishment of All India Ayurveda Institutes, AYUSH Dispensaries and Drug Testing Laboratories is a significant step, they must be complemented by local efforts to expand the area under medicinal plants.
“The preservation of medicinal plants should not be left to the administration alone. 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 disease rarely took root. However, the inclusion of unnatural and unnecessary foods led to an increase in disease. Ayurveda offers a way back to balance,” he said.
Union Minister of State Prataprao Jadhav emphasized that the world is increasingly turning towards wellness and holistic healthcare. “The foundation of AYUSH is preventive care and comprehensive well-being. India, with its unbroken tradition of ancient medical systems, is poised to lead the world in this field,” he said.
Mr. Jadhav also announced that efforts are underway to set up a separate AYUSH Ministry in Maharashtra to further benefit farmers and medicinal plant practitioners. He noted that Shegaon has been selected as the venue for the National Health Fair to extend the benefits of AYUSH treatment to the needy in Vidarbha and the rest of the state.
Guardian Minister Makarand Jadhav Patil also addressed the gathering and highlighted the district’s commitment to promote traditional medicine.
Senior doctors who have made significant contributions in the field of Ayurveda were felicitated on the occasion. Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of AYUSH delivered the opening remarks. The event was attended by a number 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 to the public, offers free health screenings and consultations from renowned medical professionals from across the country. Information kiosks set up by AYUSH drug companies, government institutions, research centers and leading universities provide visitors with an insight into traditional health care systems.
A special attraction is the herbal medicine exhibition curated by Nagarjuna Herb Garden Dr. Punjabrao Deshmukh Agricultural University which offers a rare insight into endangered and beneficial herbs. The weekly event also includes workshops for farmers on the cultivation of medicinal plants, along with informative lectures for students and citizens.
Published – 26 Feb 2026 13:01 IST
