Mysore/Mysuru: Maintaining that use of  Ayurveda has been a part of our food chain and system since ages, Udupi Pejawar Mutt Seer Sri Vishwaprasanna Theertha Swamiji has called upon youths, associations and organisations to take out medicinal sapling planting campaigns.

He was speaking after inaugurating ‘Ayurveda Utsava’ organised by city’s Government Ayurveda Research Centre as part of 7th International Ayurveda Day celebration at Vijaya Vittala School in Saraswathipuram here on Sunday.

Reiterating that Ayurveda is very much part of our food system since ancient times, Vishwaprasanna Theertha Swamiji said that it is important to grow medicinal plants in our homes just as we have a Tulasi plant for worshipping in almost every household.

Stressing on the need for growing medicinal plants in our backyard, he said that doing so will also help in saving  our environment.

Karnataka Exhibition Authority (KEA) Chairman Mirle Srinivas Gowda, in his address, emphasised on the need for sensitising the youths on the importance of Ayurveda for a healthy and long life.

Pointing out that our antecedents used Ayurveda in their food habits, he said that this was the main reason for their long life.

Noting that Prime Minister Modi has launched several initiatives for Ayurveda promotion, he lauded the AYUSH Department for launching ‘Ayurveda in every home’ campaign marking International Ayurveda Day, during which medicinal plants are distributed to households.

Former AYUSH Department Joint Director Anjaneyamurthy, JSS Ayurveda College faculty Dr. Gurubasavaraj, Government Ayurveda Research Centre Assistant Director Lakshminarayan, Government Ayurveda College Head Radhakrishna, Vijaya Vittala Educational Institutions Hon. Secretary R. Vasudeva Bhat, Patanjali Yoga Samsthe’s Shashikumar, Dr. Madhukumar, KMPK Trust President Vikram Iyengar, BJP leaders Sachin, Phanish, Swati and others were present.