Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept. 23: The Ayush Wing of the Directorate of Health Services, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, in collaboration with the Andaman & Nicobar State Ayush Society (National Ayush Mission), organized an Ayush Health Mela on 23rd September 2026 at Ayush Hospital, Junglighat, as part of Ayurveda Day 2026, themed “Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow,” and Rashtriya Poshan Maah 2026, themed “Hamari Anganwadi, Hamari Jimmedari.” The event focused on promoting Ayurveda, holistic health, nutrition, and healthy lifestyle practices.
The programme was graced by Dr. Siddharaju, DHS, as chief guest; Smti. Sumathimol, Director, CRC, Brookshabad, as guest of honour; and Dr. Ajay Verma, MS, G.B. Pant Hospital, as special guest. They alongwith participants visited a Mini Exhibition on Ayurveda, Nutrition and Wellness. Medicinal and spice saplings were distributed under supervision of Dr. Suryakant Singh, MO (Ayur), while the Peripheral Pharmacovigilance Centre conducted awareness activities on drug safety, rational medicine use and objectionable advertisements.
The event included a Mini Exhibition, recipe and poster making competitions, felicitation of winners and a free comprehensive Health screening camp (Ayurveda, Homoeopathy, Nutrition, Specialist, Gynecological and Optometry Services).
The winners of the Ayurveda Day Drawing/Poster Competition are Category I (Classes VI–VIII): Ms. Aaliya Fathima, Class VII, Govt. Girls Sr. Sec. School – First; Ms. B. Dharsini, Class VIII, Govt. Model Sr. Sec. School – Second; Ms. Aditi, Class VII, Govt. Middle School, Dignabad – Third. Category II (Classes IX–XII): Ms. Saanvee Kaligithi, Class IX, St. Mary’s School, Bathu Basti – First; Ms. Priya Pal, Class XI, PM Shri G.S.S.S. Prothrapur – Second; and Ms. Banshary Roy Nandi., Class IX, Don Bosco S.S S, Chouldari – Third.
The winners of the recipe were felicitated and awarded certificates by the dignitaries. The recipe competition winners among DBRAIT students were Ms. M. Sathya & Ms. RA Manisha – First; B. Bala Krishna & Ms. E. Harika – Second; and S. Jashan & Vivek Basare – Third, among Anganwadi workers, Ms. Santhi & Ms. Saidan Bibi – First; Ms. Ramola & Ms. Neelam – Second; and Ms. Banu Kumari & Ms Jaya Mary – Third.
Dr. Manabika Dutta, MO, (Homoeo), welcomed the gathering while the keynote address was delivered by Dr. Kalyan P. Kadbhane, DD, Ayush, who highlighted the programme’s significance and the month-long activities being conducted by all Ayush Units across the Islands under Ayurveda Day and Poshan Maah.