New Delhi, Sep 24 Union Ayush Secretary Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha on Thursday said Sowa Rigpa has significant potential in education, research and healthcare, and greater focus on documentation and standardisation is needed to strengthen the traditional system and expand its recognition nationally and internationally.
Addressing the valedictory function of a three-day national workshop on “Scope and Challenges of Sowa Rigpa Post-Recognition” in Leh, Kotecha highlighted the growing scope and global relevance of traditional systems of medicine.
The workshop brought together experts, scholars, practitioners, administrators, students and other stakeholders from different parts of the Himalayan region to deliberate on the evolving scope, opportunities and challenges of Sowa Rigpa following its recognition as a system of medicine.
Encouraging students and young scholars of Sowa Rigpa, the secretary urged them to approach emerging challenges with confidence, dedication and innovation. He encouraged them to “keep the sky as the limit” and explore new possibilities that can contribute to the advancement of Sowa Rigpa.
The technical sessions focused on institutional development, education, research, healthcare practices, preservation of traditional knowledge, standardisation, and emerging opportunities and challenges in the post-recognition era.
The deliberations provided a platform for interaction and exchange of ideas among stakeholders and contributed to strengthening the academic, professional and institutional framework of Sowa Rigpa.
The programme was also organised as part of the National Ayurveda Day celebrations, providing an opportunity to highlight the rich heritage and contemporary relevance of India’s diverse traditional systems of medicine.
Dr Padma Gurmet, Director, National Institute of Sowa Rigpa, welcomed Kotecha and expressed gratitude for his continued support towards the preservation and promotion of Sowa Rigpa.
Dr Tenzin Kunphel, Chairman, Central Council of Tibetan Medicine (CCTM), Dharamsala; Dr Dorje Damdul, Associate Professor and Dean, Faculty of Sowa Rigpa and Bhot Jyotish, Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, Sarnath, Varanasi; and Dr Phunsok Wangchuk, former director, Health and Ayush, UT Ladakh, were among the distinguished dignitaries present on the occasion.
The dignitaries shared their experiences and perspectives on the development of Sowa Rigpa and its academic and research potential.
(PTI News)
