Pune: The Vice-President of India, C. P. Radhakrishnan, underlined the growing importance of naturopathy and yoga in building a healthier nation while addressing the 81st Foundation Day celebrations of Nisargopachar Ashram at Uruli Kanchan in Pune.
Speaking at the event, he described the Ashram as much more than a healthcare centre. According to him, it represents a way of life rooted in the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, who envisioned simple and disciplined living in harmony with nature. He also acknowledged the contribution of the farmer who donated land for the Ashram, saying both Gandhi and the donor deserve the nation’s gratitude for creating such a meaningful institution.
The Vice-President stressed that Gandhi believed nature to be the greatest healer. He explained that true health does not come from medicines alone, but from living a balanced life—one that includes simplicity, discipline and a close connection with nature.
Highlighting present-day challenges, he pointed to the sharp rise in lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and stress disorders. In this context, he said the message of the Ashram is more relevant than ever. He reminded the audience that health is not merely the absence of illness, but a complete state of physical, mental and spiritual well-being. He encouraged people to focus on balanced nutrition, regular exercise, mental peace and daily habits that align with natural rhythms.
Drawing from his earlier experiences as Governor of Jharkhand and Maharashtra, he shared that he had witnessed the strength of traditional healing practices among tribal communities. These practices, passed down through generations, rely heavily on natural methods and local knowledge. He noted that such approaches reflect India’s long-standing wisdom in holistic healthcare and should not be overlooked in modern times.
The Vice-President also spoke about the growing global recognition of India’s traditional systems of medicine. He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, systems like Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy have gained renewed attention worldwide. Institutions under AYUSH, he added, are playing a key role in preventive healthcare and are also boosting medical and wellness tourism in the country.
He made it clear that yoga and naturopathy should not be seen as replacements for modern medicine, but as complementary systems that can work together for better health outcomes. He described India’s traditional wellness practices as valuable contributions to the global community.
Touching upon the idea of happiness, the Vice-President said that in today’s fast-paced and material-driven world, people often look for fulfilment in external achievements. However, true happiness, he explained, comes from inner peace, balance and harmony. He added that a healthy individual leads to a strong family, which in turn builds a stronger society and ultimately a stronger nation.
Linking health to national development, he said that as India moves towards the vision of a developed nation, equal attention must be given to building a healthy population. Institutions like Nisargopachar Ashram, he noted, will play a vital role in achieving the goal of a “Swasth Bharat”.
During the event, floral tributes were paid to Mahatma Gandhi and Manibhai Desai. The Vice-President also released a book titled *Secrets of our Happiness*, authored by Narayan Hegde, Managing Trustee of the Ashram.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh, Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar, and Maharashtra Legislative Council Deputy Chairperson Neelam Gorhe, among others.