National Seminar Highlights the Rich Medicinal Biodiversity of the Eastern Himalayas
By Apasi Linggi and Kara Gambo
ITANAGAR, 11 Jan: The Regional Ayurveda Research Institute, Itanagar, recently hosted a groundbreaking national seminar titled ‘Exploration of Phytodiversity of Medicinal Values of Eastern Himalayas: Focus on Mapping & Scientific Validation’. Held at the Dorjee Khandu State Convention Center, the event brought together researchers, academicians, and policymakers to delve into the region’s unparalleled medicinal biodiversity and its potential for pharmacological and traditional applications.Organized under the aegis of the AYUSH Ministry, the seminar was inaugurated by Health Commissioner Pawan Kumar Sain and Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) Director General Prof Vaidya Rabinarayan Acharya. The event underscored the urgent need to integrate traditional knowledge with modern scientific methodologies to achieve global recognition and enduring utilization of these invaluable resources.
Bridging Tradition and Science
Table of Contents
the seminar emphasized the importance of blending indigenous practices with contemporary research. Dr Robindra Teron, Director of the Pasighat-based North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda & folk Medicine Research, and Dr Narayanam Srikanth, Deputy Director General of CCRAS, highlighted the critical role of conservation efforts and medico-ethno botanical surveys in the eastern Himalayan region.
“The knowledge locals possess about plants and their benefits, gained through generations of living in harmony with the surroundings, is invaluable,” said Health Commissioner Sain. He proposed a two-step approach: first, mapping plants with potential benefits, and second, conducting scientific validation to ensure sustainable development that benefits both the people and the state.
Technical Sessions and Expert Insights
The event featured two technical sessions, covering a wide range of topics from the conservation of rare medicinal plants to ethnic dietary practices and the mapping of medicinal flora in Arunachal Pradesh’s forest divisions. Esteemed experts, including Prof Pulok Kumar Mukherjee of Jadavpur University and Prof Hui Tag of rajiv Gandhi Central University, shared their insights, enriching the discussions with their expertise.
A panel discussion allowed participants to interact with dignitaries and brainstorm sustainable strategies for preserving endangered species and documenting indigenous knowledge. The seminar also highlighted the importance of protecting cultural heritage by safeguarding traditional medicinal practices and underscored the wellness benefits of ethnic dietary traditions.
A Call to Action
The seminar served as a clarion call for greater collaboration between local communities, researchers, and policymakers. Health Commissioner Sain stressed the importance of engaging with grassroots communities for environmental initiatives, moving beyond classroom-style sessions and PowerPoint presentations.
With its breathtaking biodiversity, the eastern Himalayas continue to inspire scientific exploration. The seminar reiterated the necessity of blending indigenous practices with contemporary research to promote sustainable development in Arunachal Pradesh.
Key Takeaways
| Aspect | Details |
|———————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Event | National Seminar on Medicinal Biodiversity of Eastern Himalayas |
| Organizers | Regional Ayurveda Research Institute, Itanagar; AYUSH ministry |
| Key Speakers | Health Commissioner Pawan Kumar Sain, Prof Vaidya Rabinarayan Acharya |
| Focus Areas | Conservation of rare plants, ethnic dietary practices, medico-ethno surveys |
| Proposed approach | Mapping plants, scientific validation, sustainable development |
| Outcome | Integration of traditional knowledge with modern scientific methodologies |
The seminar concluded with a renewed commitment to preserving the eastern Himalayas’ rich biodiversity and leveraging it for global health and wellness. As the region continues to inspire scientific exploration, the integration of traditional wisdom and modern research promises a sustainable future for all.For more insights on the medicinal biodiversity of the Himalayas, explore this study on impending threats to medicinal plants and the importance of sustainable resource management.
Exploring the Medicinal Biodiversity of the Eastern Himalayas: A Conversation with Dr. Anjali Rao
In a recent national seminar hosted by the Regional Ayurveda Research Institute, Itanagar, experts gathered to discuss the rich medicinal biodiversity of the Eastern Himalayas. The event highlighted the urgent need to integrate customary knowledge with modern scientific methodologies to preserve and utilize these invaluable resources. We sat down with Dr. Anjali Rao, a renowned ethnobotanist and expert on Himalayan medicinal plants, to delve deeper into the seminar’s key themes and outcomes.
Bridging tradition and Science
Senior Editor: Dr. Rao, the seminar emphasized the importance of blending indigenous practices with contemporary research. Can you elaborate on how this integration can be achieved?
Dr. Anjali Rao: Absolutely. The Eastern Himalayas are a treasure trove of medicinal plants, many of which have been used by local communities for centuries.The key is to document this traditional knowledge systematically and then validate it through scientific research. As a notable example, we can start by mapping the distribution of rare medicinal plants and then conduct phytochemical analyses to understand their therapeutic properties. This two-step approach ensures that we not only preserve traditional wisdom but also make it accessible and credible on a global scale.
Senior Editor: What role do local communities play in this process?
Dr. Anjali Rao: Local communities are the custodians of this knowledge. Their insights are invaluable because they have lived in harmony with these plants for generations. Engaging them in conservation efforts and research initiatives is crucial. By involving them, we can ensure that the benefits of these resources are shared equitably and that their cultural heritage is respected and preserved.
Technical Sessions and Expert Insights
Senior Editor: The seminar featured technical sessions on a wide range of topics. Coudl you share some highlights from these discussions?
Dr. Anjali rao: Certainly.one of the key sessions focused on the conservation of rare medicinal plants. Experts like Prof. Pulok Kumar Mukherjee from Jadavpur University and Prof. Hui Tag from Rajiv gandhi Central University shared their insights on the challenges and strategies for preserving these species. Another session delved into ethnic dietary practices and their wellness benefits, highlighting how traditional diets can contribute to modern health solutions.
Senior Editor: How did the panel discussion contribute to the overall objectives of the seminar?
Dr. Anjali rao: The panel discussion was a platform for brainstorming sustainable strategies.It allowed participants to interact with dignitaries and experts, fostering a collaborative surroundings. The discussions underscored the importance of documenting indigenous knowledge and protecting cultural heritage, which are essential for the sustainable growth of the region.
A Call to Action
Senior Editor: The seminar concluded with a call to action for greater collaboration. What are the next steps in this journey?
Dr. Anjali Rao: The next steps involve strengthening partnerships between local communities, researchers, and policymakers. As Health Commissioner Sain pointed out, we need to move beyond traditional classroom-style sessions and engage more with grassroots communities. This means conducting more field studies, organizing community workshops, and creating platforms for continuous dialog. The goal is to ensure that the rich biodiversity of the Eastern Himalayas is preserved and utilized sustainably for the benefit of all.
Key Takeaways
Senior Editor: what are the key takeaways from the seminar that our readers should be aware of?
Dr. Anjali Rao: The seminar highlighted the urgent need to integrate traditional knowledge with modern scientific methodologies. It emphasized the importance of conservation efforts, medico-ethno botanical surveys, and sustainable development. The event also underscored the role of local communities in preserving biodiversity and cultural heritage. By working together, we can ensure that the medicinal biodiversity of the Eastern Himalayas continues to inspire scientific exploration and contribute to global health and wellness.
For more insights on the medicinal biodiversity of the Himalayas, explore this study on impending threats to medicinal plants and the importance of sustainable resource management.
