Delhi, Feb 25: President of India, Droupadi Murmu, inaugurated the National Arogya Fair 2026 at Shegaon in Buldhana district of Maharashtra today.
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 emphasized 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. She emphasized that preventive and holistic healthcare is essential for reducing disease burden and promoting long-term wellbeing.
She further highlighted that India possesses a rich heritage of medicinal plants and traditional knowledge. Stressing the importance of conservation and scientific cultivation of medicinal plants, she said that strengthening the raw material base would support sustainable healthcare, enhance farmers’ incomes and protect the environment. She called for collective efforts to advance Ayush systems and build a Healthy and Empowered India.
The Governor of Maharashtra, Acharya Devvrat, described Ayurveda as a timeless scientific tradition established by India’s ancient Rishis, whom he referred to as the earliest research scholars. He emphasized that the human body, composed of the five elements, can be healed best through alignment with nature and that preventive healthcare is superior to curative approaches.
The Governor stated that India’s traditional systems are deeply scientific and rooted in centuries of experiential knowledge. He urged practitioners to uphold authenticity, ensure quality in medicines and maintain unwavering faith in their own disciplines. He congratulated the Ministry of Ayush for strengthening India’s traditional knowledge systems at national and global levels.
Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush, 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.
The Minister stated that under the leadership of the Prime Minister, the Ministry is committed to promoting evidence-based Ayush systems. He said that focused research, scientific validation, quality assurance and standardization are being strengthened so that Ayurveda and other Ayush disciplines gain greater credibility at national and international levels. He stressed that combining traditional wisdom with modern scientific parameters will further enhance global trust in Ayush.
Highlighting the immense potential of Ayush tourism, Jadhav said that India can become the “crown of the world” in the field of holistic wellness. He stated that through Ayurveda, Yoga and natural therapies, India has the capability to lead the global wellness movement. He added that the expansion of Ayush tourism would not only establish India as a global wellness destination but also generate employment, strengthen rural economies and benefit farmers engaged in medicinal plant cultivation.
Makarand Jadhav Patil, Minister for Relief and Rehabilitation, Government of Maharashtra, stated that hosting the National Arogya Fair in Shegaon is a matter of pride for Maharashtra and highlighted that the Fair would provide free consultations, medicine distribution, expert lectures and opportunities for farmers engaged in medicinal plant cultivation.
Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush stated that Arogya Melas serve as important platforms for public engagement, awareness generation and showcasing authentic Ayush practices, and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring quality, research advancement and global collaboration.
The National Arogya Fair 2026 was attended by a host of distinguished dignitaries and public figures, including Union Minister of State Raksha Khadse, Sanjay Kute, Vaidya Devendra Triguna and other senior officials, Ayush experts, farmers, practitioners, and community representatives, who collectively highlighted the importance of promoting India’s traditional medicine systems, wellness tourism, and holistic healthcare initiatives.
On this 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.
