Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush and Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, chaired the 2nd Governing Body Meeting of the National Institute of Sowa-Rigpa (NISR) in New Delhi, outlining a strategic roadmap for strengthening Sowa-Rigpa through scientific research, academic excellence, institutional development and expansion across the Indian Himalayan Region.
The Minister emphasized that the next phase of growth should focus on strengthening scientific research, promoting international standards and expanding the reach of Sowa-Rigpa beyond its traditional geographical boundaries, with the goal of establishing it as a mainstream healthcare system in India and globally. He stressed the commitment to establish Sowa-Rigpa as an evidence-based system of medical science through accelerated research strategies, including the establishment of an independent research council.
Shri Jadhav proposed the digitization and translation of hundreds of Bhoti language manuscripts containing invaluable knowledge of Sowa-Rigpa, suggesting collaboration with NISR, the Gyan Bharatam Mission, or the Ministry of Culture to preserve this traditional medical heritage. He emphasized that NISR should serve as the custodian of medical heritage for the entire Indian Himalayan Region and transform into a global center for holistic wellness, with focus on sustainable cultivation of rare medicinal plants, bio-prospecting, agroforestry and conservation of medicinal biodiversity.
Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to building strong institutions that preserve India's traditional medical knowledge while advancing it through modern scientific approaches, noting that NISR has emerged as a key institution for promoting Sowa-Rigpa through quality education, clinical services, research and capacity building.
The Governing Body congratulated Dr. Padma Gurmet, Director of National Institute of Sowa-Rigpa, on being conferred the Padma Shri in 2026 for his outstanding contributions to medicine and pioneering efforts in reviving, preserving and institutionalizing the ancient Sowa-Rigpa system in India. Dr. Gurmet presented the Institute's progress and future action plan, highlighting achievements in academics, clinical services, research, medicinal plant conservation and outreach programs.
Sowa-Rigpa, meaning 'Knowledge of Healing' in the Bhoti language, is one of the world's oldest traditional systems of medicine recognized by the Government of India under the Ayush framework, popularly known as the Amchi system of medicine practised across the Indian Himalayan Region and neighbouring countries.