A three-day workshop on the Sowa Rigpa medical heritage and the medicinal plants of Arunachal Pradesh commenced at Zomkhang Hall in Tawang. Organized by the National Institute of Sowa Rigpa, Leh, an autonomous body under the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, in collaboration with the Tawang Foundation, the workshop seeks to highlight the significance of Sowa Rigpa, often referred to as Amchi medicine. This centuries-old traditional medical system, deeply embedded in the culture of Arunachal Pradesh and the broader Himalayan region, emphasizes a holistic approach to health, incorporating physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects, with influences from Ayurveda and Buddhist philosophy.
The inaugural ceremony featured Advocate Maling Gombu, Chairman of APKVIB, as the Chief Guest, and Leki Gombu, ZPC Tawang, as the Guest of Honor. Tawang District Commissioner Namgyal Angmo and Geshi Dhondup Tsering, former Abbot of GRL Monastery, were present as Special Guests. The event attracted a diverse group of participants, including traditional medicine practitioners from Leh and Tawang districts, fostering an environment for knowledge sharing and the exchange of experiences relating to Sowa Rigpa’s rich heritage and regional medicinal plants.
In his opening remarks, Advocate Maling Gombu underscored the potential for expanding Sowa Rigpa within India’s recognized medical frameworks, noting its applicability in treating various health conditions. The workshop aims to promote awareness, facilitate knowledge exchange, and ensure the preservation of traditional medical practices prevalent in the Himalayan region, furthering the legacy of this important cultural heritage.
