Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar today launched ‘Ayush Pathshala Vatika’ campaign under the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav from Government Senior Secondary School at Baldeyan near Shimla. Under this campaign, 200 schools of the state have been selected where along with the development of Medicinal Gardens, medicinal plants will also be distributed to the students. Education, Ayush and Forest Department will work together in this campaign. On the occasion, the Governor planted Rakhal (Taxus baccata) and Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) saplings in the Ayush Pathshala Vatika in the school campus.
Speaking on the occasion, the Governor asked the students to ensure their vitality after plantation. He said that a target has been set to plant one lakh saplings this year so that their viability could be ensured. He said that the purpose of planting medicinal plants is to make students aware about their usefulness. He said that about 600 medicinal plants were found in the State, which should be documented properly. He said that efforts should be made so that these plants do not become extinct. “We all have the responsibility of maintaining them. Everyone has to work together for the success of this campaign”, said the Governor. Earlier, Additional Director, Education Sanjeev Sood, welcomed the Governor and Ujjwaldeep Sharma, Project Officer, Department of AYUSH provided information related to medicinal plants. Asith Kumar Mishra, Joint Director, Education presented a vote of thanks.
