THE GOAN NETWORK
PANAJI
“Our ancient Indian sciences were far more advanced than the modern science and technology, and youth should study and respect the knowledge offered in our Vedas and Shastras. We are living in a ‘speed yuga’ today, but that does not mean that all that’s old should be discarded. Utilising the modern technology, we should implement the ancient Indian systems taught in the Ayurveda and other Vedas to enhance our livelihoods,” stated Governor of Goa P S Sreedharan Pillai after initiating Prachin Vriksha Ayurved Chikitsa also known as Vriksha Poshan wherein old, dying and decaying trees are treated in traditional Ayurvedic methods to rejuvenate them.
Seven decaying trees in the Raj Bhavan complex were treated today by Ayurvedic Chikitsak Vinu master in the presence of Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant, Dr P M Varier, managing trustee, Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala, Kerala and Devidas Varier, managing director, Coimbatore Arya Vaidya Pharmacy, Tamil Nadu, students of Ayurveda and other dignitaries on Tuesday. This initiative of conservation of nature and environment was held in honour of Prime Minister Narendra Modi who is celebrating his 74th birthday today.
The ancient method of treating the trees was demonstrated by the Ayurvedic conservationist doctors from Kerala. Also Vriksha Puja was conducted by the Governor, Chief Minister and other dignitaries. Prayers were also offered for the wellbeing of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the chapel, temple and gaushala at Raj Bhavan.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant highlighted that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also known for adopting and embracing ways to conserve and preserve nature and ecology, just like the Governor of Goa P S Sreedharan Pillai. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi is known for his vision of reviving Bhartiya Prachin Sanskriti, Parampara (Indian ancient culture and traditions). He is a beacon of strength for the nation and has successfully introduced ancient heritage in several spheres. By initiating the Ayurvedic Vriksha Chikitsa today, we are honouring our Prime Minister on his birthday,” said Sawant, adding.
Counting Governor’s achievements Chief Minister stated he steals the credit of being the first people’s Governor to conduct ‘Goa Heritage Yatra’ visiting all 191 gram panchayats across Goa, start a Bonsai plant garden with 1000 plus Vaman Vrikshas, write a book on ancient trees in India and install statues of Acharya Charak and Acharya Sushrut in the Raj Bhavan complex.
Plants are like living beings and have feelings too, stated Dr P M Varier underlined the importance of protecting and taking care of trees, especially medicinal herbs, “Every tree has a medicinal purpose. Medicinal plants are going extinct, so we have to cultivate more plantations. We also have to examine the prospects of naturally modified crops, just like genetically modified crops, and transfer the science for application to modern requirements.”
Devidas Varier lauded the natural beauty of Goa and appealed to the Goans to learn the science of plants and have holistic understanding of trees. “We have to draw from the principles of Ayurveda for longevity and wellbeing of trees, have more gardens near reservoirs and learn valuable insights of importance of relationships of plants and human life, and how to sustain that.”
