The President of India presided over the formal inauguration of the National Arogya Fair 2026 in Shegaon, located in the Buldhana district of Maharashtra. The event brought together key stakeholders in health, wellness, and traditional medicine systems under the broader theme of promoting holistic health practices.
Recognition of AYUSH Contributions
During the inauguration, the President honoured senior practitioners in the AYUSH healthcare field for their long-standing efforts in advancing traditional systems of medicine. The ceremony underlined the role of Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and other indigenous practices in supporting public health and wellbeing.
Officials highlighted that India’s cultural and natural heritage—including farms, forests, and household gardens—harbours a rich variety of medicinal plants and herbs, which are essential for traditional medicines and environmental balance. The emphasis was placed on both conserving these resources and enhancing cultivation practices to benefit rural communities and soil health.
Integrating Traditional and Modern Health Approaches
Organisers pointed out the growing global interest in integrative medicine, where conventional and traditional systems work alongside modern health science. Participants at the fair stressed that practices such as yoga and Ayurveda are increasingly recognised worldwide for their preventive health benefits and contributions to overall wellness.
The President highlighted ongoing efforts by the Ministry of AYUSH to bring scientific rigour, quality standards, and evidence-based research to traditional medicine. Guidelines aligned with international benchmarks have been introduced to strengthen research, drug development and quality control within AYUSH systems.
Vision for Broader Acceptance and Outreach
Officials attending the event expressed confidence that integrating scientific advances with traditional medicine will help expand accessibility and acceptance of AYUSH practices. Such approaches are expected to support a more holistic national healthcare framework and contribute to preventive health strategies across communities.