The Vice President of India today inaugurated the Ninth Siddha Day celebrations in Chennai, underscoring the enduring relevance of the Siddha system of medicine as a living tradition deeply rooted in India’s civilisational wisdom and central to the country’s evolving health vision. Paying homage to the great sage Agathiyar, revered as the father of Siddha medicine, the Vice President extended warm greetings to Siddha physicians, researchers, students and well-wishers in India and abroad.
In his address, the Vice President emphasised that traditional health systems such as Siddha, Ayurveda, Unani and Yoga, brought together under the AYUSH framework, are not relics of the past but time tested practices that continue to contribute meaningfully to the well being of millions. He noted that the Siddha system’s emphasis on harmony between the body, mind and nature offers a holistic approach to health, preventive care and lifestyle management, making it particularly relevant in an era marked by lifestyle disorders, stress related ailments and environmental challenges.
Highlighting the distinctive strengths of the Siddha tradition, the Vice President observed that Siddha medicine focuses on addressing the root causes of disease rather than merely treating symptoms. He said the system offers hope for complete cure and recovery through its comprehensive and integrative approach, and has the potential to complement modern healthcare in addressing complex and chronic conditions.
Calling for closer integration of traditional wisdom with modern science, the Vice President urged researchers, practitioners and academic institutions to work collaboratively to document, modernise and globally share Siddha knowledge, while safeguarding its ethical, philosophical and cultural foundations. He particularly encouraged young students and researchers to undertake rigorous scientific research in Siddha to explore solutions for diseases considered incurable and to build credible evidence for wider global acceptance.
The Vice President stressed that every system of medicine has its own strengths and advantages, and advocated an inclusive and respectful approach towards all systems of healthcare. He said that leveraging the unique capabilities of each system would ultimately serve the greater good of humanity and help build a healthier, more balanced and sustainable society.
Earlier, the Vice President visited an exhibition organised by the Ministry of Ayush at the venue and appreciated the extensive display of Siddha manuscripts, books, raw materials and herbal medicines. He noted that the exhibition reflected the depth, diversity and scientific richness of the Siddha system and highlighted the importance of preserving such knowledge for future generations.
The Ninth Siddha Day celebrations were jointly organised by the National Institute of Siddha and the Central Council for Research in Siddha, institutions under the Ministry of Ayush, in collaboration with the Directorate of Indian Medicine and Homoeopathy of the Government of Tamil Nadu. The celebrations, themed Siddha for Global Health, commemorated the birth anniversary of Sage Agathiyar and 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, recognising their role in preserving, advancing and promoting this ancient medical tradition.
The event was attended by senior leaders from the Union and State governments, officials of the Ministry of Ayush, and distinguished guests, reflecting the growing national emphasis on integrating traditional medicine into India’s broader healthcare and wellness strategy.
