Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 7: The inaugural function of week-long Dhanwantri Jayanti celebrations the birth day of Lord Dhanwantri was held in the premises of Jammu Institute of Ayurveda and Research today.
The birth anniversary of Dhanwantri known as the God of health and longevity is also being observed, as Health Awareness Week by Vishaw Ayurvedic Parishad (VAP), in collaboration with Jammu Institute of Ayurveda and Research (JIAR).
The function was chaired by Suman Sharma, chairperson of Shri Sain Charitable Trust and noted Dogri poet Padamshri, Dr Jitender Udhampuri was the chief guest on the occasion.
Dr Y Suresh Kumar Principal JIAR read the welcome address. Dr Ritu Narang briefed the audience about Bhagwan Dhanwantri.
Dr G R Gupta president VAP gave a brief account of the activities of VAP, which is pledged to restore past glory to Ayurveda. A symposium on the topic “Integration of Ayurveda with modern medicine-a-boon or curse’’ was also organised. On the occasion in which Mehvish, Surbhi, Ria, Keerti, Akshat, Shivani, Krishan and Aaliya of JIAR participated. Dr C R Munday, Kiran Sathu and Dr K S Manhas were the judges for the symposium.
Ms Shivani, Mr Keerti and Ms Surbhi were declared as first, second and third prize winners respectively.
Dr Arun Jandial spoke on happiness of mind and spirit for which every one dealing with Ayurveda will have to attain the level to experience- the eternal truth propagated by Rishis.
The programme was compared by Ms Titiksha and Ms Vasundhara Parihar of JIAR. Ms Vasundhara Parihar was felicitated by VAP, J&K for winning first prize in Dr Ganga Sahay Pandey All India Essay Competiton-2012 organised by VAP.
A cultural programme was also presented by students of the institute. Prominent among those who spoke on the occasion included Dr Jatinder Gupta, State organizing secretary VAP, Dr K D Gupta, convener Arogya Bharti, J&K, Dr Urmil Kohli, Dr Sangeeta, Dr Reetika and Dr Virinder Gupta.
The vote of thanks was proposed by Dr Sujata Sathu, general secretary.