National seminar on history of traditional medicines in the Himalayas held

Solan, May 11
In collaboration with the Indian Council of Historical Research, the Chitrakoot School of Liberal Arts and School of Biotechnology at Shoolini University organised a National Seminar on the topic “Exploring the History of Traditional Medicine in the Himalayas.” The aim of the National Seminar was to serve as a platform for scholarly exchange, reaffirming the rich legacy of traditional medicines in the Himalayas and their enduring relevance in contemporary healthcare practices.
The seminar commenced with a welcome note delivered by Dr. Nikita Thakur, Assistant Professor at the School of Biotechnology, followed by a soulful rendition of Saraswati Vandana. Prof. J M Julka, Director of Planning, Shoolini University was the chief guest and Dr. Chander Gupt, Ayurveda Acharya, was the Guests of Honour at the seminar.
Dr. Purnima Bali, Head of Chitrakoot School of Liberal Arts (CSLA), Shoolini University, delivered a welcome address and Dr. Ekta Singh, Assistant Prof., contextualised the theme of the seminar.
Prof. Julka, shared his profound experiences spanning over six decades, particularly his lifelong engagement with traditional medicinal herbs.
The interactive sessions commenced with Dr. Purnima Bali’s engaging dialogue with Dr. Chander Gupt, shedding light on the profound benefits of Ayurveda. Dr. Gupt elucidated the distinction between homeopathy and Ayurveda, emphasizing the importance of lifestyle practices in maintaining holistic wellness.
Dr. Neelam Negi, Assistant Professor, Department of History, HNB, Garhwal University, Uttarakhand, delved into the rich history of traditional Medicines in the Himalayan region of Uttarakhand, unveiling the medicinal properties of rare herbs.
Dr. Rohit Sharma, Assistant Professor, School of Biotechnology, traced the history of Kangra Tea, and emphasised its historical significance and contemporary resurgence.
Prof. Rohit Goyal, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, shared insights into the potential of age-old medications from the Himalayas, showcasing their efficacy in modern times. Scholar Nikhil Thakur captivated the audience with his oral presentation on the folk healing practices of the Gaddi Tribe, bridging ancient wisdom with contemporary healthcare.
The second session featured Dr. Tara Devi Sen, Assistant Professor, Department of Botany, Vallabh Government College, Mandi, shared about the exploration of forgotten remedies hidden in Himalayan wild foods, advocating for their integration into daily culinary practices for holistic health. Prof. Deepak Kumar, School of Pharmaceuticals Sciences, discussed the role of traditional medicines in drug discovery, underscoring their untapped potential.
The day culminated in a vibrant cultural programme celebrating the diverse heritage of the Himalayas, followed by a gala dinner, fostering camaraderie among participants.