Leh, September 24,2025: As part of the 10th Ayurveda Day celebrations, on 23 September, 2025 the State Medicinal Plant Board, Union Territory of Ladakh, organized a one-day educational trip for the Biology students of Government Higher Secondary School (Boys), Leh. The trip included visits to the Trans-Himalayan Herbal Garden of National Institute of Sowa Rigpa and the CSIR-IIIM Experimental Farm, Palam, providing students with valuable exposure to medicinal plants and their significance. The programme began with a welcome address by Dr. Phunchok Angmo, Consultant Botany, State Medicinal Plant Board. She introduced the students to the significance of Ayurveda Day, underlining its relevance to human life. She also highlighted the role of the State Medicinal Plant Board in the conservation of medicinal plants and its initiatives to raise awareness across Ladakh.
At the Trans-Himalayan Herbal Garden, the students and staff were received by Dr. Tsewang Rinchen, Research Officer, National Institute of Sowa Rigpa who briefed them on the Institute’s role in nurturing and maintaining herbal garden. Subsequently, Dr. Rinchen, Dr. Sonam Chorol, and Dr. Thupstan Tsewang guided the students through the garden, sharing their expertise on various plant species. The experts explained the scientific names, medicinal uses, and applications of the plants in the AYUSH system of medicine, thereby broadening the students’ understanding of traditional healing systems.
At the CSIR-IIIM Experimental Farm, Palam, Dr. Padma and Mr. Zabir Ahmad demonstrated modern plantation techniques. The students also received hands-on training in saffron cultivation, gaining insight into the methods and significance of this high-value crop. guided the students through the garden, sharing their expertise on various plant species. The experts explained the scientific names, medicinal uses, and applications of the plants.
The State Medicinal Plant Board further enriched the programme with pictorial displays and herbarium exhibition at the CSIR-IIIM field, enabling students to visually connect with the region’s rich biodiversity and appreciate the importance of conserving these vital resources.
Adding to the academic value of the trip, Dr. Dorji Galchon, Consultant, BSRMS, spoke about the role of these plants in the Sowa Rigpa system of medicine, highlighting its scope and future opportunities for students.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Phunchok Angmo, who expressed gratitude to the experts from the National Institute of Sowa Rigpa, CSIR-IIIM, the lecturers, and the enthusiastic students for their active participation and contributions, which made the event a success.
