Kochi: Kerala Governor Rajendra Viswanath Arlekar inaugurated the Arogya Bharati National Pratinidhi Mandal at Bhaskareeyam Convention Centre in Kochi, stressing that the concept of a developed Bharat extends beyond economic progress to holistic development. He said Bharat must demonstrate to the world, through achievements in Ayurveda and indigenous medical systems, that it is truly a developed nation.
“The concept of developed Bharat does not mean economic development alone. It means total development. We should be able to let the whole world know, through achievements like Ayurveda, that Bharat is a developed country. For that, we have to develop our own medical treatment methods and showcase them before the world. Developed Bharat will be attained only when achievements in the medical field are made available in all villages,” Governor Arlekar said.
The Governor noted that those contributing to the Sangh’s work during its centenary are fortunate. He proposed deliberations on how best to carry out activities in this period, including participation in developmental efforts. He also observed that while MBBS graduates once aspired to migrate to the United States, many now prefer to serve in Bharat, thanks to the initiatives of various organisations.
RSS Sah-Sarkaryavah Dr. Krishna Gopal, delivering the keynote address, emphasised that Bharat’s medical tradition should be presented to the world, positioning the nation as a global role model. He underlined that Arogya Bharati must work towards making the country disease-free by promoting a Bharatiya lifestyle to control diabetes, hypertension, cancer and other ailments. He also stressed that indigenous medical systems must be documented scientifically and backed by research.
Dr. Krishna Gopal contrasted Bharat with the United States, pointing out that despite being considered a developed nation, 23 per cent of Americans suffer from mental health issues, with many dependent on medication to sleep. He noted that more than two crore of America’s 35 crore population suffer from cancer, with numbers rising each year, and added that even children exhibit violent tendencies and depression.
Highlighting Bharat’s self-sufficiency, he said the country, rich in flora and fauna, is now among the top producers of wheat and rice. However, he warned that changing lifestyles risk importing the very problems faced by wealthy nations.
Arogya Bharati National President Dr. Rakesh Pandit presided over the event. Distinguished participants included Prof. (Dr.) Bhooshan Patvardhan of the National Ayurveda Research, management expert N. Reghuyraman, and Dr. Ravi Narayan Achari of the Central Council of Ayurveda Science Research. Reception Committee Working Chairman P.M. Jopshi welcomed the gathering, while National General Secretary Dr. Sunil Joshi delivered the vote of thanks.
On the occasion, the Governor presented the Swarg. Gyan Prakash Jwalan Swasthseva Puraskar to Sampathpoor Birla Medical’s Dr. Johari. Speakers across sessions included Dr. Padma Goormad, National Planning Board Additional Director Dr. Mahesh Dadheeji, National Organising Secretary Dr. Ashok Kumar Varshney, State President Dr. J. Radhakrishnan and State Secretary Dr. Harikrishnan.
Delegates from Kashmir to Kanyakumari attended the two-day conference, which brought together experts in Ayurveda, Allopathy, Siddha, Homoeopathy and Yoga. Sessions included lectures by Prof. Patvardhan on “One Nation, One Health”, N. Reghuyraman on “Life Management and Health Management”, and Dr. Achari and Dr. Johari on related subjects.
