A FIVE-DAY ‘Vindhya Herbal Malwa Van Mela’ organised by the Forest Department got off to a start at the Gandhi Hall premises here today with a clarion call to conduct research on herbal products like turmeric (haldi) as India is witnessing a herbal revolution.
These views were expressed by former State Home minister and ex-Mayor of Indore Rajendra Dharkar, while inaugurating the Van Mela-2006. He informed that there is no antiseptic better than turmeric and research should be conducted on it. He opined that it is even better than some antiseptic creams.
Dharkar also laid stress on the importance of Tulsi and added that Aonwla works like herbal shampoo. He reasoned that when Indian produce is purchased abroad only then its importance is known. He regretted that during Mughal rule there was a feeling that foreign goods were better. He suggested that we should ‘be proud of our country, weigh everything and accept what is good’.
He was surprised by last year’s response to the Mela when more than 1.5 lakh people visited the Mela Dharkar appreciated the work done by Yoga expert Ramdev Baba and said that maximum service to the nation is being done by Baba. He gave assurance to those present in the Mela that they would get Narmada water through Forest Department.
Presiding over the function Minister of State for Forests Prakash Sonkar said that ‘vaids’ who have come here are ready to cure everything. He informed that there is a scheme for poor man’s daughter. He suggested that when the girl is small she should plant a tree, which will grow in about 15 years and then the expenses of educating the girl can be obtained from the tree.
{{/usCountry}}Presiding over the function Minister of State for Forests Prakash Sonkar said that ‘vaids’ who have come here are ready to cure everything. He informed that there is a scheme for poor man’s daughter. He suggested that when the girl is small she should plant a tree, which will grow in about 15 years and then the expenses of educating the girl can be obtained from the tree.
{{/usCountry}}He informed that Mayor Dr Uma Sashi Sharma has decided to make Indore a Neem city. He reasoned that ayurvedic treatment is slow but the cure is permanent. On popular demand Sonkar announced to extend the Van Mela by two days, which was originally for three days from today.
Mayor Dr Uma Shashi Sharma said on the occasion that since condition of city was deteriorating therefore plantation should be done and priority should be given to herbal plants. She added that importance of herbal medicine is increasing in India and abroad.
Forest Conservator Rajesh Shrivastava welcomed the guests and Divisional Forest Officer O P Choudhary proposed the vote of thanks.