Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Friday inaugurated the 9th Siddha Day celebrations in Chennai, highlighting the enduring relevance of the Siddha system of medicine in India’s healthcare vision and its deep roots in the country’s civilisational knowledge.
Paying tribute to the great sage Agasthyar, the Vice President described Siddha as a living tradition, intrinsically linked to India’s ancient wisdom and cultural heritage. Extending greetings to Siddha practitioners, researchers, students, and well-wishers in India and abroad, he said traditional systems under AYUSH—such as Siddha, Ayurveda, Unani, and Yoga—are not relics of the past but time-tested practices that continue to benefit millions.
Emphasising Siddha’s holistic approach, the Vice President noted that the system focuses on harmony between the body, mind, and nature, offering comprehensive solutions for healthcare, preventive medicine, and lifestyle management. He said this approach is especially relevant in an era marked by lifestyle-related disorders, stress, and environmental challenges.
Highlighting a key strength of the Siddha system, he said it focuses on addressing diseases at their root cause, offering the possibility of complete healing through its integrated methodology.
Calling for the preservation and promotion of traditional knowledge systems, the Vice President urged researchers, doctors, and academic institutions to work together to document, modernise, and globally share Siddha knowledge while safeguarding its ethical and philosophical foundations. He particularly encouraged young students and researchers to pursue scientific research in Siddha to find solutions for diseases considered incurable.
Stressing inclusivity in healthcare, the Vice President said every medical system has its own strengths and benefits, and humanity stands to gain by adopting a positive, integrative approach that leverages the best of all systems.
