To commemorate the 7th Naturopathy Day, the National Institute of Naturopathy (NIN), operating under the Ministry of Ayush, has initiated a nationwide campaign centered around the theme ‘Healthy Ageing and Longevity.’ The campaign emphasizes Gandhian principles of Nature Cure and sustainable living as preventive health measures. With a focus on India’s rapidly growing elderly population, the initiative underlines the importance of good nutrition, healthy lifestyles, emotional resilience, and mental well-being.
India’s senior citizen population (aged 60 and above) is projected to increase from 153 million in 2020 to 347 million by 2050, making this initiative particularly timely. The campaign also advocates for a reconnection with nature as a means of combating pollution-related and environmental health challenges.
As part of the campaign, health camps have been organized by NIN at 35 old age homes around Pune. Approximately 1,500 elderly individuals have benefitted from these camps, which include yoga sessions, discussions on health, and naturopathy treatments. These activities aim to address the physical and emotional needs of senior citizens through a holistic approach.
Prof. (Dr.) Satya Lakshmi, Director of NIN, Pune, commented on the significance of this initiative. “In today’s era of nuclear families, elderly individuals often encounter social and emotional challenges. This campaign seeks to provide physical health interventions while fostering compassion and community building. Additionally, efforts are being made to engage schoolchildren and educate them about the importance of caring for senior citizens,” she explained.
The campaign operates under the dual motto: ‘Turn to Nature for Physical Health’ and ‘Return to Community for Emotional and Mental Health.’ These messages underscore the necessity of combining nature-based solutions with strong community bonds for achieving overall health.
In celebration of Naturopathy Day, an Inter-Collegiate Intellectual Meet has also been announced. Scheduled for January 10–11, 2025, in Pune, this event will serve as a platform for 500 students from yoga and naturopathy colleges across India. The meet is designed to encourage knowledge sharing and foster healthy competition among participants.
The Ministry of Ayush declared Naturopathy Day in 2018 to highlight its commitment to health empowerment. November 18 was chosen for its historical significance, marking the day in 1945 when Mahatma Gandhi became the lifetime Chairman of the All India Nature Cure Foundation Trust.
By addressing both physical and emotional well-being, the 7th Naturopathy Day campaign reaffirms the relevance of naturopathy in modern healthcare, especially for the elderly. The initiative encourages a return to nature and emphasizes the importance of community connections, setting a holistic standard for health and longevity in India.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Ankur Deka/MSM)
