Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare, and Education, Sakeena Itoo, virtually addressed the 10th National Ayurveda Day celebrations organized by the Directorate of Ayush, J&K, at the Convention Centre, Jammu. The event was attended by Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar; Secretary Health and Medical Education, Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah; Director Ayush, Dr. Suresh Kumar Sharma; healthcare professionals, and other officials.

Minister Sakeena underlined the significance of Ayurveda as a holistic healthcare system rooted in India’s cultural wisdom. “Ayurveda embodies a lifestyle and healthcare model deeply connected to nature. The theme ‘Ayurveda for People and Planet’ reminds us that individual and environmental health are inseparable,” she said, urging participants to conduct awareness campaigns so the benefits of Ayurveda reach every household in Jammu and Kashmir. She also highlighted the safety and minimal side effects of Ayurvedic medicines compared to general medicines and emphasized expanding advanced healthcare to rural and remote areas.
Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar lauded the role of Ayush in addressing lifestyle disorders, while Secretary Health, Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, stressed Ayurveda’s integrative approach for prevention, lifestyle management, and wellness. Dr. Suresh Kumar Sharma, Director Ayush, highlighted the operationalization of Ayush Health & Wellness Centres, promotion of herbal awareness campaigns, and the expansion of traditional healthcare across the Union Territory.
The event witnessed the participation of nearly 700 medical professionals, students, and members of the public. Cultural programs and lectures focused on immunity building, lifestyle disorders, mental wellness, and the ecological importance of Ayurveda. Fifteen thematic stalls showcased Ayurvedic therapies, Unani treatments, medicinal plants, and yoga practices, providing hands-on knowledge to participants and promoting the practical application of Ayush systems in daily life.