The National Institute of Sowa-Rigpa (NISR), Leh, inaugurated a three-day Reorientation Training Program for Sowa-Rigpa practitioners on August 5. The event brought together distinguished personalities from the fields of Sowa-Rigpa medicine, public health, and holistic wellness.

The program was inaugurated in the presence of Dr. Ashok Kumar Varshney, National Organizing Secretary of Arogya Bharti, who attended as the Chief Guest. Other esteemed guests included Dr. Tsetan Dorji Sadutshang, personal physician to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama; Dr. Phuntsog Angehuk, former Director of AYUSH, J&K; and Sanjeevan Kumar, Regional Coordinator, Arogya Bharti (North and Rajasthan).

Dr. Padma Gurmet, Director of NISR, delivered the keynote address, providing an insightful overview of the Sowa-Rigpa system of medicine, the institute’s mission, and the ongoing Tribal Health Care Research Project (THCRP), under which the training is being conducted. He emphasized the importance of scientific training and orientation in preserving the authenticity of Sowa-Rigpa while enhancing its relevance in today’s healthcare landscape.

In a compelling address, Dr. Tsetan Dorji Sadutshang underscored the significance of integrative learning between allopathy and Sowa-Rigpa. He advocated for mutual exchange of knowledge and techniques between the systems to improve patient outcomes through a collaborative approach.

Dr. Ashok Kumar Varshney highlighted the shared objectives of India’s traditional medical systems, including Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and Sowa-Rigpa. He noted that these systems place a greater emphasis on preventive healthcare and lifestyle-based wellness rather than solely on curative treatment. He lauded the initiative as a critical step in strengthening India’s indigenous health systems.

The three-day training program aims to enhance the clinical skills, diagnostic acumen, and practical knowledge of Sowa-Rigpa practitioners. The sessions will include lectures, case study discussions, and interactive demonstrations led by experienced scholars and physicians.