India marks 8th Naturopathy Day in Pune, highlights natural living and Gandhian health values
Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat, Union Ayush minister Prataprao Jadhav and other dignitaries during the 8th Naturopathy Day at Nisarg Gram in Yewalewadi, Pune, on Tuesday.
Pune, November 19: India celebrated the 8th Naturopathy Day at Nisarg Gram in Yewalewadi, Pune, reaffirming the importance of natural living, holistic health and Gandhian principles in modern healthcare. The three-day event, organised by the National Institute of Naturopathy (NIN), drew strong public participation through its Natural Food Festival, workshops and awareness activities.
Presiding over the valedictory ceremony, Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat said naturopathy is a lifestyle that restores harmony between humans and nature. He described Mahatma Gandhi as the guiding force behind India’s naturopathy movement, calling Nisarg Gram—Gandhi’s karmabhoomi—a symbol of self-reliance and natural healing. A balanced diet, regular exercise, positive thinking and disciplined living, he said, empower the body to heal itself. He added that naturopathy can play a significant role in the nationwide obesity-reduction campaign recently announced by the Prime Minister.
Union Ayush minister Prataprao Jadhav, attending as guest of honour, said a chemical-free diet, natural lifestyle and harmony with the environment form the foundation of sustainable health. He noted that rising lifestyle-related diseases demand a renewed emphasis on yoga, plant-based diets and nature-centric living. “Health cannot be bought; it must be earned,” he said, urging citizens to internalise Gandhiji’s principles in everyday life.
The ceremony saw the release of new books by NIN and a special commemorative postal stamp dedicated to the institute. Winners of essay, slogan, quiz, elocution and research competitions held as part of Gandhi’s 156th birth anniversary celebrations were felicitated. The Dadaji Dr Dinshaw K. Mehta Award and Dr S. N. Murty Award were also conferred.
Senior officials present included Ayush ministry joint secretary Dr Kavita Jain, Pune region postmaster general Suchita Joshi and NIN director-in-charge Amrendra Singh. The event began with the National Anthem and Maharashtra state song, and concluded with a vote of thanks from Dr D. Satyanath.
The celebrations reinforced the message that a natural diet, disciplined lifestyle and harmony with nature—values championed by Gandhi—remain central to India’s health and wellness vision.
