Nation-wide Campaign on Ashwagandha launched in Mizoram

Aizawl, 29 March (Zoram News): Nation-wide Campaign on Ashwagandha & State Level One-Day Workshop was launched on March 24th, 2023, at the Seminar Hall of the Education Department at Mizoram University. The event was graced by Dr. C. Lalzepuii, Principal Director of the Health and Family Welfare Department, who is also the member secretary of the State Medicinal Plant Board (SMPB) in Mizoram.

During her speech, Dr. Lalzepuii mentioned that the SMPB was established in 2001 to co-ordinate matters related to medicinal plants in Mizoram, including cultivation, conservation, research, development, and promotion. She added that the board has successfully executed nationwide campaigns on Amla-Sunhlu and Giloe- Hrui-van-kai in the past, and expressed hope for the success of the current campaign on Ashwagandha.

Dr. S. Mara Thansiami, Deputy Director of the Directorate of AYUSH, emphasized the importance of drugless therapy, especially in today's world filled with stress and anxiety. Prof. B.P. Mishra, Dean of the School of Earth Sciences & Natural Resource Management at MZU, also highlighted the health benefits of Ashwagandha and called for more research on medicinal plants.

The event was organized by the State Medicinal Plants Board (SMPB) and the National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB) in collaboration with the Department of Horticulture, Aromatic & Medicinal Plants. The inauguration session was followed by presentations and discussions about Ashwagandha by various resource persons, and concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr.T. Lalliankimi, Programme Officer, SMPB, Mizoram.

Ashwagandha, also known as 'Indian Ginseng' or 'Winter cherry,' is a high-valued medicinal plant in India and a priority medicinal plant identified by the National Medicinal Plant Board of India. The campaign aims to raise awareness about the benefits of this plant and promote its use in contemporary society.