LEH: Padma Shri Dr Padma Gurmet has been honoured for his contribution to the preservation, promotion and advancement of Sowa Rigpa, the traditional system of medicine of the Himalayan region, at a national conference in Varanasi.
The award was presented by Padma Tso, Minister of Health, Central Tibetan Administration, during the inaugural ceremony of the fourth National Conference on Sowa Rigpa at the Central University for Tibetan Studies (CUTS), Sarnath.
The recognition comes in acknowledgement of Gurmet’s longstanding work in strengthening awareness, education and research related to Sowa Rigpa, besides his contribution to its institutional development and preservation of its traditional knowledge.
The conference brought together Sowa Rigpa practitioners, scholars, researchers, academicians and other experts to discuss the preservation and development of the medical system, with sessions focusing on research, education and its relevance in contemporary healthcare.
Gurmet’s work has also involved efforts to promote a scientific understanding of Sowa Rigpa and broaden recognition of the traditional medical system at national and international levels.
The National Institute of Sowa Rigpa congratulated Gurmet on the recognition and said his contribution had supported efforts to preserve and advance the traditional system while strengthening research and education around it.
The conference also provided a platform for practitioners and researchers to deliberate on ways to document traditional knowledge and further develop Sowa Rigpa through education and research.
Sowa Rigpa has been practised in the Himalayan region for centuries and encompasses a body of traditional medical knowledge and practices. Its preservation and institutional development have increasingly involved efforts to strengthen research, education and documentation.
The award to Gurmet recognises his role in these efforts and his continued engagement with the promotion and advancement of Sowa Rigpa.
