NewzVille Desk
The Vice President of India, C. P. Radhakrishnan today inaugurated the 9th Siddha Day celebrations at Chennai, highlighting the Siddha system’s role as a sustainable and preventive healthcare model for modern times.
Speaking on the occasion, th Vice President stated that India’s traditional systems of medicine, including Siddha, Ayurveda, Yoga and other AYUSH disciplines, are not relics of the past but living traditions that continue to contribute significantly to the health and well-being of millions in India and across the globe.
He noted that Siddha medicine is among the country’s most ancient and profound medical traditions, rooted in knowledge accumulated over thousands of years, and emphasized its holistic approach that promotes harmony between body, mind and the natural environment.
Encouraging young scholars and students, the Vice President expressed confidence that sustained research in Siddha medicine could lead to major scientific breakthroughs, including permanent cures for presently incurable diseases.
He urged that research scholars be extended all possible financial support to enable uninterrupted pursuit of advanced studies, and expressed hope that future generations of researchers would bring global recognition to India’s traditional medical knowledge systems.
Prataprao Jadhav, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush, Ma. Subramanian, Minister for Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare, Government of Tamil Nadu; senior officials from the Ministry of Ayush and the Government of Tamil Nadu; and heads of Siddha institutions were also present on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, Prataprao Jadhav stated that Siddha medicine embodies an advanced understanding of health, nature, and consciousness, making it highly relevant to modern holistic healthcare.
He noted that the inclusion of Siddha Morbidity Codes in WHO ICD-11 and the forthcoming WHO international standard terminologies would firmly place Siddha on the global healthcare map.
Five eminent personalities were felicitated on the occasion for their extraordinary and commendable contributions to the Siddha system of medicine.
The awardees included Dr. B. Michael Jeyaraj, Dr. T. Kannan Rajaram, Late Dr. I. Sornamariammal, Dr. Mohana Raj, and Prof. Dr. V. Banumathi, whose lifelong service, research, manuscript preservation, education, and leadership have significantly strengthened Siddha medicine at grassroots, academic, and national levels.
