Bhopal, December 17: Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav on Wednesday said that forests, forest produce and wildlife form the core identity of Madhya Pradesh, and the state government is moving steadily on the path of development while ensuring their protection and conservation.
Speaking at the inauguration of the 11th International Forest Fair at Lal Parade Ground, the Chief Minister said the event reflects India’s age-old tradition of respecting forests and nature, a legacy now being carried forward under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has also promoted and adopted Ayurveda in daily life.
The forest fair is being held from December 17 to 23 with the theme “Prosperous Forests, Happy People”.
A Major Platform for Ayurveda and Herbal Products
Dr Yadav noted that the forest fair is eagerly awaited across the state every year. This edition features over 350 stalls showcasing Ayurvedic and herbal products, along with 80 Ayurvedic doctors and more than 100 traditional vaidyas offering free medical consultations to visitors.
During the inaugural ceremony, the Chief Minister lit the ceremonial lamp, offered prayers to Lord Dhanvantari, and visited several stalls, including Vindhya Herbal, to learn about medicinal and herbal products. He was presented with a rudraksha sapling on the occasion.
He also released the song “Laghu Vanopaj Hamari Shaan”, promoting minor forest produce, and unveiled Vindhya Herbal’s new logo along with a specially curated wellness kit.
Ayurveda’s Growing Relevance in Modern Times
Highlighting the relevance of traditional medicine, Dr Yadav said that while modern medical science is commendable, Ayurveda holds a unique and enduring importance. He recalled how Ayurvedic decoctions proved invaluable during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Chief Minister added that the state government is actively strengthening Ayurveda and yoga infrastructure. Madhya Pradesh earlier had only seven government Ayurvedic colleges, but eight new government Ayurvedic colleges have been established in the past year, significantly expanding capacity.
