~ Jagat Parida

The “Second National Naturopathy Day” was observed across the country on 18th November 2019 which coincided with the “150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi”, the Father of the Nation.

To mark the day, a panel discussion on “Healthy Life Management: Mahatma Gandhi and Nature Cure” was organized jointly by the National Institute of Naturopathy (NIN), Pune and CYSD on 18th Nov at the Development Resource & Training Centre (DRTC) of CYSD in Bhubaneswar.

The esteemed panelists present on the dais were Justice Manoranjan Mohanty, the eminent Gandhian Philosopher; Ms. Jayanti Manjari Rath, former Director of Doordarshan and Member of Odisha Gandhi Smarak Nidhi; Dr. Milind Parashar, Director, JK Yoga, and Naturopathy Hospital, Cuttack; Shri Bijoy Kumar Pusti, Naturopathy Expert & Programme Coordinator, Naturopathy Hospital and Research Centre. The panel discussion was facilitated by Shri Jagadananda, former State Information Commissioner, Odisha. and Mentor, CYSD.

The event was attended by as many as 110 representatives from social organizations, youth associations, NSS volunteers and media representatives. Among other dignitaries Shri P K Sahoo, Chairman, CYSD and Dr.  Biswajit, Gandhian Scholar were present. Initiating the discussion, Shri Jagadananda briefly highlighted the importance of the “National Naturopathy Day” and the purpose of organizing the programme.

Giving the keynote address Justice Manoranjan Mohanty said, Gandhiji was adapting naturopathy treatment for his health issues which become an integral part of his healthy life management. The Gandhian philosophy is deeply connected with Naturopathy too. In order to maintain a healthy life, our body and mind require natural treatment/therapy, which is the only alternative solution. Practices of Yoga, fasting, meditation, prayer, etc. will help human beings towards building a healthy society. We need to practice naturopathy and get rid of allopathy mediation in order to avoid toxic side effects, he advised.

Dr. Milind Parashar made a detailed presentation on various techniques and advantages of adapting naturopathy treatment for a healthy life.   He advised the audience, especially the new generation/youth group to be away from junk food and fast-food. Consuming junk food creates side- effects / bad repercussions on heath, like increased obesity and ill effects on human organs. Obesity can cause many medical issues like diabetes, joint pain, and heart diseases, etc.

Former Director, Doordarshan – Smt. Jayanti Manjari Rath said, Gandhiji was accustomed to naturopathy treatment and making its application in his family too. Even, Gandhiji adopted various methods during the pre and post-delivery of his wife Kasturaba. He also treated leprosy patients using naturopathy. Smt. Rath advised we should familiarize with naturopathy treatment, take natural food, dry fruits, enough vegetables and practice fasting & Ashan/Pranaym for a healthy life.

Various naturopathy therapies, like fasting periodically, water bath, sunbath, mud coating in body, regular walk on barefoot, etc. need to be adopted for treatment, said Shri Bijoy Pusti, an expert on naturopathy. Practices of these therapies will help increase the resistance power of the body against the attack of diseases, provide mental peace and enhance concentration power of the mind, he added a few key questions raised by the audience that were responded by the panelists appropriately. Shri P K Sahoo, sharing his personal views and putting much emphasis on Naturopathy treatment, appealed the youth delegates to remain healthy by doing regular yoga, pranayama, etc. and adhere to naturopathy.

A well-known personality and Gandhian Scholar Dr.  Biswajit, shared that Gandhiji lifelong practiced naturopathy and he was regarded as the “Brand Ambassador of Naturopathy”. The book “Key to Health” authored by Gandhiji has been very popular across the globe.

While concluding the session, Shri Jagadananda highlighted that Naturopathy does not use any kind of medicine. He shared his own life experience on treatment of his spinal cord injury and as to how naturopathy brought him back from the medical operation table 20 years back. Now, he is completely cured and maintaining a healthy life by practicing naturopathy. The event also witnessed an exhibition of naturopathy treatment knowledge products, aids/equipment.