NEW DELHI: Vice-President C P Radhakrishnan on Tuesday emphasised that Yoga and naturopathy are not alternatives but powerful complements to modern medicine, and described India’s traditional wellness systems as invaluable gifts to the world.
He was speaking at the 81st Foundation Day celebrations of Nisargopachar Ashram at Uruli Kanchan, Pune.
Addressing the gathering, the Vice-President noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s traditional systems of medicine have gained renewed global recognition, with AYUSH institutions playing an important role in preventive and holistic healthcare and contributing to the growth of medical and wellness tourism in the country.
The Vice-President said in today’s fast-paced world, people often search for happiness in material success, but true fulfilment comes from peace, balance, and harmony in life.
He added that when individuals are healthy, families become strong; when families are strong, society prospers; and when society prospers, the nation rises.
V-P Radhakrishnan emphasised that as India moves towards the vision of Viksit Bharat, the goal must also be to build a Swasth Bharat, and institutions like Nisargopachar Ashram will play a significant role in achieving this objective.
Addressing the gathering, the Vice-President noted that both Mahatma Gandhi, who conceptualised the Ashram, and the farmer who donated land for this noble cause deserve the nation’s gratitude.
He described the Ashram as not merely an institution, but a movement, a philosophy, and a way of life inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of simple, disciplined living in harmony with nature.
“Gandhiji believed nature to be the greatest healer and emphasised that true health lies in simplicity, discipline, and living in harmony with nature,” V-P Radhakrishnan stated.
Highlighting the growing burden of lifestyle diseases, the Vice-President said the message of the Ashram is more relevant today than ever before. He emphasised that health is not merely the absence of disease, but a state of complete physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
He called upon people to adopt balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, mental peace, and a lifestyle in tune with nature.
Recalling his tenure as the Governor of Jharkhand and Maharashtra, theVice-President said he had the opportunity to closely observe the rich tradition of indigenous and natural healing practices among tribal communities.
He noted that these time-tested practices, rooted in nature and traditional knowledge, reflect India’s deep civilisational wisdom in holistic healthcare.
Agencies