Chief Minister Mohan Majhi stated that Ayurveda, an ancient and rich medicinal science, has been an intrinsic part of Indian culture and history for more than 5,000 years.
Majhi explained at the 75th anniversary of Gopabandhu Ayurveda College in Puri, in the presence of President Droupadi Murmu, that Ayurveda is a comprehensive health science that emphasizes the need of adequate treatment, a balanced food, and lifestyle.
Majhi observed that Ayurveda can help the human body, which is made up of five basic elements (sky, air, fire, water, and earth) as well as the soul, achieve harmony with nature and improve quality of life.
Founded in 1949 as an Ayurvedic Vidyapeeth, Gopabandhu Ayurveda College has evolved into a model institution, attracting students from throughout the country for higher education in Ayurveda, the CM pointed out. The college has produced many renowned Ayurvedic experts in the state and nation.
The government of India, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has taken substantial initiatives to promote Ayurveda, including the establishment of the Ministry of AYUSH in 2014. The government has also chosen to commemorate ‘World Ayurveda Day’ on the birth anniversary of Dev-Vaidya Bhagwan Dhanvantari, according to the chief minister.
Odisha now has three government Ayurvedic colleges, one private Ayurvedic college, 520 Ayurvedic clinics, and five Ayurvedic hospitals.
“Our government has built 250-bed AYUSH hospitals in Dhenkanal and Ganjam. These will be dedicated to the public very soon and the public can get health services from these two institutions. Along with the construction of new hospitals, steps are also being taken to increase the performance of various Ayurveda hospitals providing services in the state,” Majhi said.
Majhi stated that the state government will take initiatives to improve Gopabandhu Ayurveda College and transform it into an institution of distinction. He also stressed the significance of Ayurveda and its complementary function alongside allopathy in providing good healthcare services.
The Chief Minister paid respect to the institution’s founder, Pandit Lingaraj Mishra. President Droupadi Murmu and Odisha Governor Raghubar Das attended the event.