Mysuru: A book on ‘Biodiversity in Microhabitats Plants, Predators and Prey of Arogyashram’ documenting the wondrous natural diversity of its medicinal plants, birds and insects written by B.V. Venkatesha Murthy, Chairman of Sadvaidyasala Private Limited (SVL) and the Dhanvantari Arogyashram Trust was released by Dr. G.S .Jayadev, Founding Secretary of Deenabandhu Trust.

Speaking after releasing the book at Dhanvantari Arogyashram in Nanjangud here recently, Dr. Jayadev said “Educational systems should be adopted to make children love plants and trees, thereby maintaining the balance of environment and biodiversity. Lack of respect for nature traditionally reflects the cruelty in the soul of man, so it should be ensured that the love of environment is made available to children during the education period itself.”

He also mentioned that due to the interference of man, the adverse effects on nature and the environmental destruction and the changes in the environment have to be seriously considered. In this regard, the published work will provide useful information to those working in the field of research and environment. He also appreciated that 348 species of plants have been cultivated in Nanjangud’s Arogyashram, which is known as the lungs of Nanjangud, and it has provided shelter to hundreds of species of insects and many kinds of birds.

Venkatesha Murthy said “The 172-page book was written to preserve the ethnopharmacological knowledge that we have garnered over the years and make our small contribution towards climate action in an urbanised world. Since its establishment in 1961, Dhavantari Arogyashram which is set up in ten acre land and which is also known as lung space of Nanjangud has housed a growing number of plant species, most of which are used for Ayurvedic medicines and treatments. Arogyashram has a wide variety of trees, plants and herbs. With 348 plant species, 299 identified varieties of insects and 61 types of birds, the land now serves as a conservatory for species preservation, and we wish for this to only grow.”

Kiran Bagade Srinivas and Dr. Prabha Mokshagundam too contributed for the book.

On the occasion, Dr. Gajanana Hegde, Principal of Government Ayurvedic Medical College delivered a talk on ‘Conservation of Medicinal Plants’ and Abhijith, Homeopath and Naturalist spoke on ‘Importance of Insects in Preserving Nature’s Balance’. Rajesh Sreenivasan, Secretary, N.B. Ramagopal and Sudheesh Trustees of Arogyashram, were also present.