ONE-DAY REGIONAL SEMINAR -INDIAN SYSTEM OF MEDICINE BRIDGING ANCIENT WISDOM AND MODERN SCIENCE

A one-day Regional Seminar on the theme “Indian System of Medicine – Bridging Ancient Wisdom and Modern Science” was organized by Santhigiri Siddha Medical College, in association with the Regional Cum Facilitation Centre of the National Medicinal Plants Board.

Dr. Sajith Babu,IAS State Mission Director, National AYUSH Mission, inaugurated the seminar. In his inaugural address, he emphasized the global potential of Indian Systems of Medicine and the increasing importance of preventive healthcare. He highlighted the role of Siddha therapies, including Varma therapy, in addressing modern lifestyle disorders such as sleep-related health issues. He further stressed the need for research, quality standardization, and scientific validation to enhance public health contributions.

The programme was presided over by Prof. Dr. R. Neelavathi, Principal, Santhigiri Siddha Medica College, Swami Gurusavidh Gnana Thapaswi, Head of Santhigiri Health Care & Research Organization, graced the occasion. Dr. U. M. Chandrasekhara and Dr. Sudeep N. M. from the National Medicinal Plants Board; Dr. P. Hariharan, Vice Principal; Associate Professor Sindhu B. P.,Deputy General Convenor Mr. Jyothi Udayabhanu, Dr. D. Aravind from the National Institute of Siddha; Dr. Vimal Narayanan, Scientist, Santhigiri Scientific and Industrial Research Institute; Dr. R. Sreedharan; Dr. J. Ninapriya; and Prof. Sheeja N. also addressed the gathering.The seminar deliberated on integration of ancient wisdom and modern science, physicochemical evaluation and standardization of herbal formulations, clinical evaluation of classical medicines, pharmacological assessment of herbal drugs, emerging roles of ISM formulations, Artificial Intelligence applications in communicable and non-communicable diseases, sustainable use of medicinal plants, and the priority of medicinal plant conservation.
More than 100 students from various colleges participated in the seminar. Oral and poster presentations were conducted as part of the academic sessions.