The North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda & Folk Medicine Research (NEIAFMR) organised an awareness and capacity-building programme in Pasighat, bringing together traditional healers and Ayurveda experts from across the Northeast.The programme was held at the institute’s conference hall with the aim of spreading awareness about Ayurveda and folk medicine, and to help local communities better understand traditional health practices and their benefits.Officials said the initiative was designed to create a common platform where Ayurveda practitioners and traditional healers could interact, share knowledge, and learn from each other. The focus was also on exploring ways to bring folk healing practices into the mainstream AYUSH system.
Dr. Yagling Perme, District Medical Officer (DMO) of Pasighat, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, attended the programme as the Chief Guest. The participants were welcomed by Dr. Inya Lingu, Director (In-Charge) of NEIAFMR.During the sessions, resource persons Dr. Jayakrishnan K and Dr. Sajeena A, Assistant Professors at the institute, spoke about food habits, healthy dietary practices, and the correct methods of preparing traditional medicines. The sessions were kept simple and practical so that participants could easily understand and apply the knowledge.Dr. Imlikumba, who served as the Organising Secretary, spoke about the need to strengthen the skills of traditional healers and said that such programmes can help connect age-old knowledge with modern healthcare systems. He stressed that traditional medicine still plays an important role in many rural and tribal areas.
Dr. Harshita Bhatnagar, Project Officer with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, also addressed the gathering and spoke about the importance of preserving and promoting indigenous healing knowledge.More than 40 traditional healers from five northeastern states took part in the programme. A special session was also held where participants showcased different folk medicine practices followed in their respective regions.
