Faridabad, Haryana, India | 11th August 2025: Dr. Mahesh Kumar Dadhich, Chief Executive Officer of the National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB), Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, has called upon young researchers, students, and communities to safeguard India’s invaluable medicinal plant heritage. Speaking at the inauguration of the Medicinal Garden “Eden of Elixirs” at Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies (MRIIRS), Dr. Dadhich stressed that conserving medicinal plants is essential for the nation’s health, nutrition, and biodiversity.
“Every vegetable and fruit we consume has medicinal value. If we do not conserve medicinal plants today, we may compromise our health and nutrition tomorrow. Our body is natural, and nature provides the natural substances necessary to sustain it,” Dr. Dadhich emphasized.
A Living Laboratory for Sustainable Healthcare
The Eden of Elixirs has been established by the Manav Rachna Centre for Medicinal Plant Pathology (MRCMPP) with support from the NMPB, Ministry of AYUSH. This innovative garden serves as a living laboratory for students, researchers, and local communities to study bioactive compounds, explore traditional knowledge, and promote sustainable healthcare solutions.
Dr. Nidhi Didwania, Director of MRCMPP and Principal Investigator of the project, highlighted its educational value:
“Eden of Elixirs is more than a medicinal garden—it is a symbol of student participation, inclusivity, excellence, and integrity. Students are involved throughout the journey, connecting with nature and contributing to the global conversation on sustainable healthcare.”
A Unique Floral Design Inspired by Charak Samhita
Spanning over 130 medicinal and aromatic plant species such as Ashwagandha, Brahmi, Tulsi varieties, Gudmar, Giloy, and Vach, the garden is inspired by the ancient Charak Samhita. Designed in the shape of an eight-petaled flower, each petal represents a different human body system—from oral health and digestion to cancer care. At its center lies a serene pond with a Blue Water Lily (Neel Kamal), enhancing both its beauty and biodiversity.
Empowering Rural Communities Through Medicinal Plant Cultivation
MRCMPP is leveraging the garden for herbal product innovation, high-quality planting material (QPM) distribution, and farmer empowerment. By promoting medicinal plant cultivation—especially in marginal and waterlogged areas—the initiative supports sustainable livelihoods and climate-resilient agriculture.
Scaling Up Conservation Across India
Dr. Dadhich applauded community-led projects like Eden of Elixirs and revealed plans to replicate such gardens nationwide. Upcoming initiatives aim to establish herbal gardens in 700 schools under government programs like Poshan Vatika, strengthening nutrition security and health awareness among children.
The event also marked the release of “A Comprehensive Book on Medicinal Plants”, edited by Dr. Nidhi Didwania and Dr. Jeetendra Kumar (NMPB), showcasing collaborative expertise and extensive student involvement.
Advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
Through initiatives like Eden of Elixirs, MRIIRS reaffirms its commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, notably:
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 15: Life on Land
