Vice-Prez Radhakrishnan Advocates Holistic Health, Natural Living at Nisargopachar Ashram in Pune

Pune, Mar 22 (TNT): Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Sunday called for a return to nature-based living and holistic healthcare.

Addressing at the 81st Foundation Day of Nisargopachar Ashram at Uruli Kanchan here, Radhakrishnan said Mahatma Gandhi, who conceptualised the Ashram, and the farmer who donated land for it deserve national gratitude, describing the institution as a movement rooted in simplicity, discipline and harmony with nature.

Highlighting the growing burden of lifestyle diseases, he said the Ashram’s message is more relevant than ever, stressing that health goes beyond absence of illness to include physical, mental and spiritual well-being.

The Vice-President urged people to adopt balanced diets, regular physical activity and lifestyles aligned with nature.

Recalling his tenure as Governor of Jharkhand and Maharashtra, he noted the value of indigenous healing practices among tribal communities, calling them reflections of India’s rich traditional knowledge.

He said India’s traditional systems of medicine have gained global recognition, with AYUSH contributing to preventive healthcare and wellness tourism.

Stating that yoga and naturopathy complement modern medicine, he described them as valuable contributions to global well-being.

He emphasised that true fulfilment lies in balance and harmony, adding that healthy individuals strengthen families, which in turn build a strong society and nation.

Calling for a “Swasth Bharat” alongside a developed India, he said institutions like Nisargopachar Ashram will play a key role.

The Vice-President paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi and Manibhai Desai and released the book ‘Secrets of our Happiness’ authored by Dr Narayan Hegde, Managing Trustee, Nisargopachar Ashram, on the occasion.

The Governor of Maharashtra,  Jishnu Dev Varma; Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha,  Harivansh; Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Ms Sunetra Ajit Pawar; Deputy Chairperson of Maharashtra Legislative Council, Dr. Neelam Gorhe; and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

TNT TS