The Vice President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, today inaugurated the 9th Siddha Day Celebrations in Chennai. He paid homage to the great sage Agathiyar and highlighted the enduring relevance of the Siddha system of medicine in contemporary healthcare.
Extending warm greetings to Siddha physicians, researchers, students, and well-wishers in India and abroad, he described Siddha as a living tradition deeply rooted in India’s civilisational wisdom. The Vice President said that traditional health systems such as Siddha, Ayurveda, Unani, and Yoga, under the AYUSH umbrella, are not relics of the past but time-tested practices that continue to contribute to the well-being of millions.
He noted that the Siddha system, with its emphasis on harmony between body, mind, and nature, offers a holistic approach to health, preventive care, and lifestyle management, which is especially relevant in an era marked by lifestyle disorders, stress, and environmental challenges.
Highlighting the distinctive strength of the Siddha system, the Vice President said that Siddha medicine focuses on addressing the root causes of diseases. He observed that the system offers hope for complete cure and recovery through its comprehensive and integrative approach.
Emphasising the need to preserve and promote traditional knowledge systems, the Vice President urged researchers, practitioners, and academic institutions to work collaboratively to document, modernise, and globally share Siddha knowledge while safeguarding its ethical and philosophical foundations.
He particularly encouraged young students and researchers to undertake scientific research in Siddha to find solutions for diseases considered incurable. The Vice President noted that every system of medicine has its own strengths and advantages, and stressed the importance of adopting a positive and inclusive approach towards all systems of medicine by utilising their respective strengths for the benefit of humanity.
Stating that Siddha Day serves as an important reminder, the Vice President said there is a need to integrate traditional wisdom with modern science to build a healthier, more balanced, and sustainable society. Earlier, the Vice President visited an exhibition organised by the Ministry of Ayush at the venue.
He appreciated the Ministry of Ayush for showcasing a vast collection of Siddha manuscripts, books, raw materials, and herbal medicines, reflecting the rich heritage of the Siddha system of medicine. The 9th Siddha Day Celebrations were jointly organised by the National Institute of Siddha (NIS) and the Central Council for Research in Siddha (CCRS), institutions under the Ministry of Ayush, along with the Directorate of Indian Medicine and Homoeopathy, Government of Tamil Nadu.
The celebrations, themed “Siddha for Global Health,” commemorated the birth anniversary of Sage Agathiyar, revered as the father of Siddha medicine. The event brought together Siddha practitioners, scientists, academicians, scholars, and students from across Tamil Nadu and other States.
On the occasion, five eminent personalities from the Siddha system of medicine were felicitated for their extraordinary and commendable contributions to the field. The event was also graced by Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush and Minister of State, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India; Shri Ma. Subramanian, Minister for Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare, Government of Tamil Nadu; Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, Ms. Monalisa Dash; and other dignitaries.