Leh, Oct 26: The inaugural session of the three day National Seminar on Himalayan Medicinal Plants-Present and Future Prospects organized by Department of Botany, Eliezer Joldan Memorial College Leh began, here today. The event was organized at EJM College with the support of Ministry of Ayush, Govt. of India. The event began with a beautiful welcome song by the students of EJM College, Leh. The distinguished panel of experts inaugurated the ceremony with the watering of the Juniper tree which was recently declared as the state UT Ladakh plant.
In her welcome address, Principal, EJM College Leh, Dr Sameena Iqbal, spoke on the importance of holding a national seminar Himalayan Medical Plants at EJM College which would strengthen the research acumen of faculty and students. Dr Konchok Dorjey, Asstt Prof. Botany (Organising Secretary of the seminar) highlighted the need for good research greatly needed in the context of Ladakh’s traditional medicinal plants which are on the verge of extinction.
The seminar aimed to provide a platform for young researchers and conservationists to deliberate on the critical issues of Himalayan medicinal plant resources and also create awareness about the fragile ecosystem of Ladakh and look for ways to conserve it.
Vice Chancellor, University of Ladakh, Professor S K Mehta, Chief Guest of the event spoke about his vision to inculcate research opportunities for the faculty and students. He spoke about the relevance of Ladakh’s medicinal plants that needs to be explored and documented. He appreciated the role of DRDO and Sowa Rigpa in preserving the rare medicinal plants species of Ladakh. The VC also spoke about the role of University of Ladakh in furthering learning and research opportunities, in this regard UOL had recently signed an MoU with Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT), Chennai.
Padma Angmo, Commissioner Secretary HED, Guest of Honour highlighted the importance of unique, diverse plant resources of Ladakh. It is necessary to conserve the rich medicinal plants of Ladakh for the future generations. “This is a good opportunity for students as well as young researchers of this region. Awareness among locals regarding the importance of medicinal plants is the need of the hour”, she added.
Dr Motup Dorjey, Former CMO, Leh and Member Secretary and CEO State Medicinal Board, UT Ladakh in his address spoke about the conservation attempts done by the board in maintaining the natural habitat of the endangered Himalayan medicinal plants. He also highlighted the various schemes sponsored by the government wherein many institutions could greatly benefit, the conservation of medicinal plants would also in turn benefit the farmers. Ladakh was a hotspot in terms of medicinal plants and Ladakh’s Amchis and Sowa Rigpa institute had always been investing in.
Dr Om Prakash Vidyarthi, IFS Retd, Former Principal Chief Conservator of J&K Known as the forest man of J&Kin his address shared his travel stories of a diverse species of medicinal plants being found in the belts of Changthang, Nubra, Leh and Kargil. He highlighted the needto invest in our local habitat and the local, ethnic flora and fauna of Ladakh.
The inaugural programme ended with a formal vote of thanks by Sabha Sharif, Assistant Professor Political Science. The whole event was hosted by Tsetan Dolker, Assistant Professor Botany. The two day National Seminar will have sessions and expert speakers who will deliberate on critical issues, conservation, challenges and preservation of medicinal plants of Ladakh.
Lecture session begins with enlightening keynote lecture by Dr OP Vidyarthi. He gave an overview of the medicinal wealth of Northwest Himalaya and Ladakh Trans-Himalaya. He highlighted the importance of medicinal plant taxonomy, habitat, conservation and promotion of medicinal plant sector. Dr Tsewang Rinchen presented an invited talk on botanical exploration and cultivation technique for some potential and endangered medicinal plants of Ladakh. It was followed by technical session wherein Dr Tsetan Dolker and Dr Kunzang Lamo presented their talks on ecology and cultivation of medicinal flora.
Dr Kunzes Angmo and Dr Sonam Dawa presented an extensive lecture on traditional uses of medicinal plants in healthcare system. They highlighted the importance of traditional system of medicine and the medicinal flora used for the treatment of different ailments. It was followed by another technical session wherein Assistant Professor Sabuna Bashir and other participants presented their talks on different aspects of medicinal and aromatic plants of Ladakh and other parts of Himalaya.
