Shegaon: President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the National Arogya Fair 2026 in Shegaon, Buldhana district of Maharashtra on Tuesday, highlighting the role of Ayush systems in holistic healthcare.
The four-day National Arogya Fair 2026 is being organised by the Ministry of Ayush in collaboration with the All India Ayurvedic Congress. It brings together policymakers, researchers, practitioners, farmers, industry representatives and citizens to promote India’s traditional systems of medicine.
Addressing the gathering, the President said she felt honoured to be on the sacred land of Sant Shri Gajanan Maharaj. She recalled paying homage at his statue before the event. She noted that Sant Gajanan Maharaj devoted his life to public welfare and preached compassion and equality. Therefore, she said inaugurating a health-focused event at such a place was deeply satisfying.
Quoting “Aarogyam Paramam Sukham,” she stressed that good health is the greatest happiness. She added that a healthy body enables citizens to fulfil their duties and strengthen the nation. Moreover, she said Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa and Homoeopathy have contributed significantly to preventive and curative care.
National Arogya Fair 2026 showcases holistic Ayush systems
The President said the world now recognises the need for harmony between body and mind. She explained that Ayush systems offer a lifestyle framework based on balanced diet, daily routines, yoga, meditation and natural therapies. Hence, she emphasised preventive care to reduce disease burden and ensure long-term wellbeing.
She also underlined India’s rich heritage of medicinal plants and traditional knowledge. She called for conservation and scientific cultivation of medicinal plants to strengthen the raw material base. According to her, this would support sustainable healthcare, boost farmers’ incomes and protect the environment.
Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat described Ayurveda as a timeless scientific tradition rooted in nature. He said preventive healthcare remains superior to curative approaches. He urged practitioners to maintain authenticity and quality in medicines.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush Prataprao Jadhav termed the National Arogya Fair 2026 a “Mahakumbh” of Indian traditional medicine systems. He said the event connects research, industry and citizens on one platform. He added that the ministry is strengthening evidence-based research and standardisation to enhance global trust in Ayush.
Highlighting Ayush tourism, he said India can become the “crown of the world” in holistic wellness. He stated that expanding wellness tourism would create jobs, strengthen rural economies and benefit farmers cultivating medicinal plants.
On the occasion, the President conferred the Lifetime Ayurvedic Gaurav Samman on eminent practitioners. The awardees included Vaidya Devendra Triguna, Vaidya Rakesh Sharma, Dr Ashutosh Gupta, Dr Manisha Kotekar, P. M. Varier and Dr Ramdas for their contributions to Ayurveda and public health. The President also visited various stalls at the fair.
