In a moving ceremony held at the Sigar Military Station, the Indian Army honoured Padma Shri Yanung Jamoh Lego for her tireless efforts in preserving and promoting India’s traditional herbal healing practices. The occasion marked not only a celebration of her personal achievements but also a tribute to the ancient knowledge systems that have long sustained communities across the country. Born on July 9, 1963, in the serene village of Sika Tode under the Sille-Oyan Circle of East Siang district in Arunachal Pradesh, Lego’s journey into the world of indigenous healing was guided by her father, a respected local folk healer. Inspired by his deep connection with nature and knowledge of medicinal plants, Lego spent over 15 years learning the intricate practices of herbal medicine before formally beginning her practice in 1995.
Since then, she has treated more than 10,000 patients from all walks of life, often offering hope where modern medicine had failed. Her approach, rooted in traditional wisdom and holistic care, has proven effective against serious ailments such as cancer, diabetes, and epilepsy. Her dedication to serving patients—many of whom she treated for free or at minimal cost—has earned her admiration and gratitude across the region and beyond. In 2009, Lego founded the Indigenous Herbal Heritage, a community-based initiative aimed at preserving native medicinal knowledge and fostering environmental sustainability. Through this effort, she has trained over one lakh individuals and overseen the plantation of more than 5,000 medicinal plants across Arunachal Pradesh. Her initiative has become a cornerstone for those seeking to reconnect with nature’s healing power and ensure that traditional knowledge is passed on to future generations. Her remarkable journey has been widely recognized over the years. She received the SRISTI Samman in 2007, the Paramparika Vaidya Ratna in 2013, and the Arunachal State Award in 2019. In 2023, the Government of India conferred upon her the Padma Shri, one of the country’s highest civilian awards, acknowledging her outstanding contribution to public health through indigenous medicine.
At the felicitation ceremony in Sigar, Lego spoke about the importance of a balanced, natural lifestyle and shared practical tips on Ayurvedic kitchen remedies and disease prevention. Her interaction with soldiers and officers left a lasting impression, as she emphasized the need to blend traditional practices with modern healthcare systems. Speaking to the media after the event, she expressed her heartfelt gratitude. “I am happy that my contributions in the field of herbal medicine are being appreciated. Patients come to me from across India and even from abroad. I continue to devote myself to their healing and will also train the young generation to carry forward our traditional practices,” she said.
