Chennai, Dec 19 (NationPress) Ayush Secretary Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha on Thursday called for collaboration with IITs to promote startup opportunities in Siddha. This appeal was made during the 8th Siddha Day celebration themed 'Siddha for Public Health', held at the Anna Centenary Library Auditorium, Kotturpuram, in Chennai.
Kotecha praised the remarkable achievements of female Siddha scholars in academia and mini projects. He also congratulated the recognition of Kabasura kudineer as a medicine in the National Clinical Management Protocol for Covid-19.
"The youth must take advantage of these opportunities in Siddha," the Secretary stated, while advocating for "collaboration with IITs to foster startup initiatives in Siddha through the Central Council for Research in Siddha (CCRS), part of the Ministry of Ayush."
He noted that the Ayush sector has experienced an 8-fold growth over the past decade.
Describing this period as the "golden era" for the Ayush sector, he encouraged upcoming Siddha practitioners to make the most of this opportunity.
Meanwhile, the Union Minister of State for Ayush, Prataprao Jadhav, addressed the audience virtually, expressing his delight in the organization of the 8th Siddha Day. He suggested planning a Siddha expo to promote various aspects of Siddha and its contemporary advancements.
Jadhav also highlighted the necessity of integrating the ancient Siddha medicine system with modern medical practices during the celebration of Siddha Day.
The event attracted participation from 1,500 Siddha faculties, scholars, and students.
An expo featuring medicinal plants showcased 240 authentic live plants and 130 raw materials, along with equipment used by ancient Siddhars, historical texts, palm leaf manuscripts, and various Siddha therapies. The Siddhayitool, utilized for self-evaluating body constitution, was made available for free at the venue. Additionally, the Siddha Formulary of India, Part 3 (Tamil version), and souvenirs commemorating the 8th Siddha Day, as well as proceedings from the National Conference on Ancient Wisdom of Siddha Medicine in Preventive and Promotive Healthcare organized by the CCRS, were unveiled during the event.
