11-12-2020 | 12:25 PM
“Arogya Van" inaugurated by PM Modi
Context
Prime minister Modi inaugurated “Arogya Van” in Kevadia, Gujarat on October 30, 2020.The Prime Minister was on a 2 day visit to the state and participated in the "Ekta Diwas" celebrations which was held on October 31, 2020.
Highlights
‘Arogya Van’ or herbal garden has a number of herbs and medicinal plants and there are hundreds of medicinal plants in the van.
Arogya Van also provides information about the usage and significance of medicinal plants.
The forest stretches over 17 acres and it is situated near the Statue of Peace.
The forest has more than 380 selected species. It also consists of an aroma garden, a lotus pond, yoga and meditation garden, digital information centre, indoor plant selection and a cafe serving Ayurvedic foods.
Arogya Van has health-related landscapes and it seeks to create awareness about the essential role of the plant in the wellness of the human body.
With an emphasis on yoga, Arogya Van’s entry gate has 12 postures of Surya Namaskar. All postures are human-sized.
There is a digital information centre at Arogya Van and it caters information regarding the significance and heritage of medicinal plants in our daily life.
'Aushadh Manav' is the main attraction at Arogya Van. The giant-sized ‘Aushadh Manav’ is a three-dimensional layout of a human body showcased in a resting posture.
Medicinal plants represent each human organ denoting the benefits of each plant for each organ. To make visitors aware of the therapeutic treatment, specific plants are being planted in specific parts of the human body.
Within the premises, Arogya Van has five gardens including:
Leutea Garden,
Aroma Garden,
Garden of Colours,
Alba Garden,
Yoga Garden.
Arogya Van also has an indoor plants section. This section creates awareness even as the interior landscaping provides visitors with a soothing and tranquil ambience.
Arogya Van has a Kerala connection as Gujarat Forest Department has tied up with Santhigiri Ashram in Kerala.
Importance of traditional plants
Traditionally, India 's diet was rich in fruits, pulses, grains, milk and eggs, and green leafy vegetables. While cooking the essential herbs to support human living were naturally added to foods. This was also done to enhance the taste of the food as well. The mix of international food systems in the country today, has created nutritional imbalances amongst children. Due to which India is also on the verge of losing many traditional plant species. The Arogya Van will help India to preserve its traditional species of plants and their applications.
NOTE:
During the visit Sardar Patel Zoological Park was also inaugurated by the Prime Minister. In Kevadia, it is popularly known as the "Jungle Safari."
"Ekta Mall" and Children Nutrition Park was also inaugurated.
PM Modi also inaugurated Arogya Kutir, which has a traditional treatment facility named Santhigiri wellness centre which will provide healthcare based on Ayurveda, Siddha, Yoga and Panchakarma.
