NewzVille Desk
The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, inaugurated the National Arogya Fair 2026 at Shegaon in Buldhana district of Maharashtra on Wednesday. Governor of Maharashtra, Acharya Devvrat; Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush, Prataprao Jadhav; Minister for Relief and Rehabilitation, Government of Maharashtra, Makarand Jadhav Patil; Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha; and other dignitaries were also presnt on the occasion.
The four-day national event is being organized by the Ministry of Ayush in collaboration with the All India Ayurvedic Congress, bringing together policymakers, researchers, practitioners, farmers, industry representatives and citizens on a common platform to promote India’s traditional systems of medicine.
The President said that it gives her heartfelt happiness to be present on the sacred land of Sant Shri Gajanan Maharaj.
She said that before coming to the programme, she had the opportunity to pay homage at his statue. She recalled that Sant Gajanan Maharaj dedicated his life to public welfare and taught the message of compassion and equality for all living beings.
She said that it is a matter of great satisfaction to inaugurate an event dedicated to the health and welfare of people at such a spiritually significant place.
The President said that in our tradition it is said, “Aarogyam Paramam Sukham,” meaning that good health is the greatest happiness.
She emphasized that a healthy body is the primary instrument for performing all duties. She stated that in strengthening the nation, the role of healthy citizens is extremely important.
She said that Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa and Homoeopathy have made invaluable contributions in preventive, promotive and curative healthcare and continue to guide society towards balanced living.
The President noted that the world increasingly recognizes that true wellness requires harmony between body and mind.
She stated that Ayush systems offer not merely treatment, but a comprehensive lifestyle framework based on balanced diet, daily and seasonal regimens, yoga, meditation and natural therapies. S
he emphasized that preventive and holistic healthcare is essential for reducing disease burden and promoting long-term wellbeing.
Jadhav in his address described the National Arogya Fair as a “Mahakumbh of Indian traditional medicine systems.” He said that this grand congregation brings together policymakers, researchers, academicians, industry representatives, farmers and practitioners on one common platform. He emphasized that the Fair is not merely a health camp, but a powerful national initiative to strengthen India’s holistic healthcare traditions and connect them directly with the people.
On the occasion, the President conferred the Lifetime Ayurvedic Gaurav Samman upon eminent practitioners in recognition of their exceptional contributions to Ayurveda. The awardees included Vaidya Devendra Triguna, Vaidya Rakesh Sharma, Dr. Ashutosh Gupta, Dr. Manisha Kotekar, P. M. Varier, and Dr. Ramdas, whose dedicated service and innovative work have significantly advanced traditional medicine, public health initiatives, and community wellbeing through Ayush systems. The President also visited the National Arogya Fair.
