**Executive Summary**
President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the National Arogya Fair 2026 in Shegaon, Buldhana, Maharashtra, a four-day national event organized by the Ministry of Ayush in collaboration with the All India Ayurvedic Congress. The fair aims to promote India's traditional systems of medicine by bringing together various stakeholders. The event took place on February 25, 2026.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Fair Inauguration & Purpose:**
* President Murmu inaugurated the National Arogya Fair 2026 in Shegaon, Buldhana.
* The event is organized by the Ministry of Ayush and the All India Ayurvedic Congress.
* The fair serves as a common platform for policymakers, researchers, practitioners, farmers, industry representatives, and citizens to promote India's traditional medicine systems.
* **President's Address:**
* President Murmu emphasized the importance of good health for national strength.
* She highlighted the contributions of Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, and Homoeopathy.
* She noted that Ayush systems offer a comprehensive lifestyle framework for holistic well-being.
* She advocated for the conservation and scientific cultivation of medicinal plants.
* She called for collective efforts to advance Ayush systems and build a Healthy and Empowered India.
* **Other Dignitaries' Remarks:**
* Governor Devvrat described Ayurveda as a timeless scientific tradition rooted in nature.
* Union Minister Shri Jadhav termed the Arogya Fair a "Mahakumbh" of Indian traditional medicine.
* Shri Jadhav emphasized the Ministry's commitment to promoting evidence-based Ayush systems.
* Shri Jadhav stated that India can become the "crown of the world" in holistic wellness through Ayush tourism.
* Minister Patil highlighted that the Fair would provide free consultations, medicine distribution, and expert lectures.
* Secretary Kotecha reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to ensuring quality, research advancement, and global collaboration.
* **Ayurvedic Gaurav Samman:**
* The President conferred the Lifetime Ayurvedic Gaurav Samman upon eminent practitioners of Ayurveda.
* Awardees included Vaidya Devendra Triguna, Vaidya Rakesh Sharma, Dr. Ashutosh Gupta, Dr. Manisha Kotekar, P. M. Varier, and Dr. Ramdas.
**Impact Analysis**
**Stakeholder: Policymakers**
* **Impact:** The fair provides a platform to discuss and shape policies related to traditional medicine.
* **Action Required:** Utilize the insights gained at the fair to formulate supportive policies.
**Stakeholder: Researchers and Practitioners**
* **Impact:** The fair offers opportunities for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and validation of Ayush practices.
* **Action Required:** Engage in collaborative research and adopt best practices for quality assurance.
**Stakeholder: Farmers**
* **Impact:** Increased opportunities related to medicinal plant cultivation and potential for strengthened rural economies.
* **Action Required:** Explore opportunities to engage in the cultivation of medicinal plants.
**Stakeholder: Industry Representatives**
* **Impact:** The fair provides a platform to showcase products, network, and explore business opportunities in the Ayush sector.
* **Action Required:** Utilize the fair to promote products, establish partnerships, and contribute to the growth of the Ayush industry.
**Stakeholder: Citizens**
* **Impact:** Increased awareness of Ayush systems and access to free consultations, medicine distribution, and expert lectures.
* **Action Required:** Attend the fair to learn about Ayush practices and explore holistic wellness options.
Key Entities Referenced
National Arogya Fair: A national event focused on promoting India's traditional systems of medicine.
Ministry of Ayush: The central ministry responsible for promoting and developing traditional medicine systems in India.
Maharashtra: The state where the National Arogya Fair 2026 was held.
Ayurvedic Gaurav Samman: Lifetime achievement award to eminent practitioners in recognition of their exceptional contributions to Ayurveda
Ayurveda: One of the traditional Indian systems of medicine.
AYUSH
President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu
inaugurates National Arogya Fair 2026 in
Shegaon, Buldhana, Maharashtra
Ayush systems offer comprehensive lifestyle framework for
holistic wellbeing: President Smt. Murmu
President honors eminent practitioners with Ayurvedic
Gaurav Samman for outstanding contributions to Ayurveda
Ayurveda is a timeless scientific tradition rooted in nature:
Governor Shri Acharya Devvrat
National Arogya Fair is a ‘Mahakumbh’ of Indian traditional
medicine systems: MoS (IC) Ayush Shri Prataprao Jadhav
India can become the “Crown of the World” in holistic
wellness through Ayush tourism: MoS (IC) Ayush
Posted On: 25 FEB 2026 3:19PM by PIB Delhi
The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, inaugurated the National Arogya Fair 2026 at Shegaon in
Buldhana district of Maharashtra today. The four-day national event is being organized by the Ministry of
Ayush in collaboration with the All India Ayurvedic Congress, bringing together policymakers,
researchers, practitioners, farmers, industry representatives and citizens on a common platform to promote
India’s traditional systems of medicine.
The President said that it gives her heartfelt happiness to be present on the sacred land of Sant Shri
Gajanan Maharaj. She said that before coming to the programme, she had the opportunity to pay homage
at his statue. She recalled that Sant Gajanan Maharaj dedicated his life to public welfare and taught the
message of compassion and equality for all living beings. She said that it is a matter of great satisfaction to
inaugurate an event dedicated to the health and welfare of people at such a spiritually significant place.
The President said that in our tradition it is said, “Aarogyam Paramam Sukham,” meaning that good
health is the greatest happiness. She emphasized that a healthy body is the primary instrument for
performing all duties. She stated that in strengthening the nation, the role of healthy citizens is extremely
important. She emphasized that Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa and
Homoeopathy have made invaluable contributions in preventive, promotive and curative healthcare and
continue to guide society towards balanced living.The President noted that the world increasingly recognizes that true wellness requires harmony between
body and mind. She stated that Ayush systems offer not merely treatment, but a comprehensive lifestyle
framework based on balanced diet, daily and seasonal regimens, yoga, meditation and natural therapies.
She emphasized that preventive and holistic healthcare is essential for reducing disease burden and
promoting long-term wellbeing.
She further highlighted that India possesses a rich heritage of medicinal plants and traditional knowledge.
Stressing the importance of conservation and scientific cultivation of medicinal plants, she said that
strengthening the raw material base would support sustainable healthcare, enhance farmers’ incomes and
protect the environment. She called for collective efforts to advance Ayush systems and build a Healthy
and Empowered India.
The Governor of Maharashtra, Shri Acharya Devvrat, described Ayurveda as a timeless scientific tradition
established by India’s ancient Rishis, whom he referred to as the earliest research scholars. He emphasized
that the human body, composed of the five elements, can be healed best through alignment with nature and
that preventive healthcare is superior to curative approaches.
The Governor stated that India’s traditional systems are deeply scientific and rooted in centuries of
experiential knowledge. He urged practitioners to uphold authenticity, ensure quality in medicines and
maintain unwavering faith in their own disciplines. He congratulated the Ministry of Ayush for
strengthening India’s traditional knowledge systems at national and global levels.
Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush, described the National
Arogya Fair as a “Mahakumbh of Indian traditional medicine systems.” He said that this grand
congregation brings together policymakers, researchers, academicians, industry representatives, farmers
and practitioners on one common platform. He emphasized that the Fair is not merely a health camp, but a
powerful national initiative to strengthen India’s holistic healthcare traditions and connect them directly
with the people.
The Minister stated that under the leadership of the Prime Minister, the Ministry is committed to
promoting evidence-based Ayush systems. He said that focused research, scientific validation, quality
assurance and standardization are being strengthened so that Ayurveda and other Ayush disciplines gain
greater credibility at national and international levels. He stressed that combining traditional wisdom with
modern scientific parameters will further enhance global trust in Ayush.
Highlighting the immense potential of Ayush tourism, Shri Jadhav said that India can become the “crown
of the world” in the field of holistic wellness. He stated that through Ayurveda, Yoga and natural therapies,
India has the capability to lead the global wellness movement. He added that the expansion of Ayush
tourism would not only establish India as a global wellness destination but also generate employment,
strengthen rural economies and benefit farmers engaged in medicinal plant cultivation.
Shri Makarand Jadhav Patil, Minister for Relief and Rehabilitation, Government of Maharashtra, stated
that hosting the National Arogya Fair in Shegaon is a matter of pride for Maharashtra and highlighted that
the Fair would provide free consultations, medicine distribution, expert lectures and opportunities for
farmers engaged in medicinal plant cultivation.
Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush stated that Arogya Melas serve as important
platforms for public engagement, awareness generation and showcasing authentic Ayush practices, and
reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring quality, research advancement and global collaboration.
The National Arogya Fair 2026 was attended by a host of distinguished dignitaries and public figures,
including Union Minister of State Ms. Raksha Khadse, Shri Sanjay Kute, Vaidya Devendra Triguna and
other senior officials, Ayush experts, farmers, practitioners, and community representatives, whocollectively highlighted the importance of promoting India’s traditional medicine systems, wellness
tourism, and holistic healthcare initiatives.
On this occasion, the President conferred the Lifetime Ayurvedic Gaurav Samman upon eminent
practitioners in recognition of their exceptional contributions to Ayurveda. The awardees included Vaidya
Devendra Triguna, Vaidya Rakesh Sharma, Dr. Ashutosh Gupta, Dr. Manisha Kotekar, P. M. Varier, and
Dr. Ramdas, whose dedicated service and innovative work have significantly advanced traditional
medicine, public health initiatives, and community wellbeing through Ayush systems. The President also
visited the National Arogya Fair.The programme can be watched by clicking the link
https://www.youtube.com/live/JPF2KVgQ4qg.
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