Pune, Mar 23 (BNP): C. P. Radhakrishnan on Sunday addressed the 81st Foundation Day celebrations of Nisargopachar Ashram in Pune, underscoring the importance of naturopathy and yoga in building a healthy India.
Speaking at the event held in Uruli Kanchan, the Vice-President said institutions like the Ashram are vital to the vision of a “Swasth Bharat”, describing it as not merely an institution but a movement inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of simple and disciplined living in harmony with nature.
He noted that both Gandhi, who conceptualised the Ashram, and the farmer who donated land for it deserve the nation’s gratitude. Emphasising Gandhian principles, he said nature is the greatest healer and true health lies in simplicity, discipline, and alignment with natural living.
Highlighting the growing burden of lifestyle diseases, Radhakrishnan said the Ashram’s message is more relevant than ever. He stressed that health goes beyond the absence of disease and includes physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, urging people to adopt balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, and mental peace.
Recalling his tenure as Governor of Jharkhand and Maharashtra, he said he had witnessed indigenous healing practices among tribal communities, rooted in traditional knowledge and reflecting India’s long-standing civilisational wisdom in holistic healthcare.
The Vice-President said that under the leadership of Narendra Modi, India’s traditional systems of medicine have gained global recognition, with AYUSH institutions contributing to preventive healthcare and wellness tourism. He added that yoga and naturopathy complement modern medicine and are valuable contributions from India to the world.
Observing that material success alone does not guarantee happiness, he said true fulfilment lies in balance and harmony. “When individuals are healthy, families become strong; when families are strong, society prospers; and when society prospers, the nation rises,” he said.
Radhakrishnan emphasised that as India moves towards the vision of “Viksit Bharat”, equal focus must be placed on achieving a “Swasth Bharat”, with institutions like Nisargopachar Ashram playing a key role.
On the occasion, he paid floral tributes to Gandhi and Manibhai Desai, and released the book Secrets of Our Happiness, authored by Dr. Narayan Hegde, Managing Trustee of the Ashram.
Among those present were Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh, Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar, and Legislative Council Deputy Chairperson Neelam Gorhe, among other dignitaries.
