Chennai: The Ministry of Ayush announced that it would inaugurate the 9th Siddha Day celebrations in Chennai on January 3, with Vice President of India C. P. Radhakrishnan presiding over the event.
The ministry said the programme would take place at Kalaivanar Arangam in association with the National Institute of Siddha and the Central Council for Research in Siddha. In addition, the Directorate of Indian Medicine and Homoeopathy of the Tamil Nadu government is partnering in the celebrations.
The Siddha Day celebrations form part of the annual observance of Siddha Day on January 6, which marks the birth anniversary of Sage Agathiyar. He is revered as the father of the Siddha system of medicine.
According to the ministry, this year’s Siddha Day celebrations carry the theme “Siddha for Global Health.” The theme highlights Siddha’s growing role in preventive care, research, and global wellness initiatives.
Moreover, the Vice President will formally inaugurate the event in the presence of senior leaders from the Centre and the State. These include Prataprao Jadhav, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush, and Ma. Subramanian, Tamil Nadu Minister for Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare.
Siddha Day celebrations to honour five eminent contributors
On this occasion, the Ministry of Ayush will felicitate five eminent personalities for their exemplary contributions to the Siddha system of medicine. The honours recognise long-standing service in clinical practice, research, education, and public outreach.
Meanwhile, Padma Shri awardee Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, will attend the programme along with senior state officials. Dr. P. Senthil Kumar, Principal Secretary of Tamil Nadu’s Health Department, and M. Vijayalakshmi, Director of Indian Medicine and Homoeopathy, will also be present.
Officials said the Siddha Day celebrations would bring together practitioners, scientists, academicians, and students from across several States. Therefore, large participation is expected from national Siddha institutions and medical colleges in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
The ministry added that the 9th Siddha Day would showcase Siddha medicine’s contributions to healthcare delivery, research collaboration, and academic advancement. It said the event reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening India’s traditional medical systems at national and global levels.
