How Tribal Healers from MP Will Become Master Trainers: TRI Entrusted with the Task
Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said that tribal communities have been custodians of India’s cultural heritage since ancient times, preserving invaluable indigenous knowledge of nature and medicinal plants. He said that preserving, promoting, and scientifically documenting this knowledge is a collective responsibility.
CM said that tribal communities possess centuries-old knowledge and experience of living in harmony with nature. Preserving this invaluable knowledge is important not only for the welfare of tribal communities but also for safeguarding the state’s cultural and natural heritage.
The State Government is working to ensure that tribal communities’ traditional knowledge of medicinal plants, agriculture, forests and folk practices is scientifically documented and passed on to future generations rather than remaining confined to oral traditions.
CM Mohan Yadav said that nearly 21 per cent of Madhya Pradesh’s population belongs to tribal communities. Preserving their forest-based way of life and traditional knowledge is also a government priority.
TRI entrusted with the responsibility of documenting traditional knowledge
CM said extensive traditional knowledge related to forests, medicinal plants, agriculture and environmental conservation has long been passed down from one generation to another through experienced elders and traditional knowledge holders. The government has set a target to document traditional knowledge with the support of elderly and senior knowledge holders from tribal communities. The Tribal Research and Development Institute (TRI), Bhopal, has been entrusted with this responsibility.
Efforts are being made to directly reach traditional tribal healers
Under the initiative, efforts are being made to directly reach traditional tribal healers and elderly knowledge holders, including Vaidyas, Tadvis, Bhumkas, Barwas, Ojhas and Guniyas. Particular attention is being given to documenting traditional knowledge and experience passed down through generations on the use of natural tubers, roots, herbs and medicinal plants for the short- and long-term treatment of various ailments.
Districts Asked to Nominate Tribal Healers
The State Government has directed the concerned Collectors and district officials of the Tribal Affairs Department to submit the names of tribal healers. The nominees must necessarily belong to a Scheduled Tribe community, have an established standing within their community and be capable of training others. Names are also being sought of healers and practitioners with expertise in different traditional healing practices, including herbal healing, bone-setting, midwifery and snake-bite treatment.