President Murmu inaugurates National Health Fair in Shegaon, urges public movement to preserve medicinal plants

President Murmu inaugurates Shegaon Health Fair, urging public participation in conserving medicinal plants and promoting traditional wellness practices.

Inaugurating the ‘National Arogya Fair 2026’ in Maharashtra’s Shegaon, President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday (February 25, 2026) emphasised that the conservation of medicinal plants must transcend the boundaries of government schemes and evolve into a full-fledged people’s movement.

She asserted that India’s traditional knowledge systems particularly Ayurveda and Yoga, hold the key to global wellness.

“The mantra for a balanced and healthy life, which harmonises the mind and body, is found in Yoga and Ayurveda. ‘Arogya Param Sukham’ (Health is the ultimate wealth) is the enduring teaching of our culture. The body is an instrument to fulfil all duties. To build a strong nation, the lives of its citizens must be healthy,” Ms. Murmu said.

The fair has been organised by the Ministry of AYUSH in collaboration with the All India Ayurveda Mahasammelan at the Visawa Bhaktanivas Complex. Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat, Union Minister of State for AYUSH Prataprao Jadhav, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse, State Labour Minister Adv. Akash Fundkar, District Guardian Minister Makarand Jadhav Patil, were present among several other dignitaries.

Addressing the gathering, President Murmu stressed that while the establishment of All India Ayurveda Institutes, AYUSH dispensaries, and drug testing laboratories are significant steps, they must be complemented by grassroots efforts to expand the area under medicinal plants.

“Conserving medicinal plants should not be left solely to the administration. It must become a Jan Andolan (people’s movement),” she said, urging citizens to integrate medicinal plants into their surroundings and daily lives.