~A seminar on Biodiversity and Ethnobotanical Traditions~

Tata Steel today organised ‘Green Therapy’, a seminar on Biodiversity and Ethnobotanical Traditions at Noamundi, Jharkhand. Dr Michael Raj S, Superintendent of Police, West Singhbhum, Chaibasa graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The day-long event was attended by more than 200 local people including mankis, mundas and baidyas (ayurvedic practitioners). Speakers were from the eastern states of Odisha (Puri and Bhubaneswar) and Jharkhand (Ranchi, Jamshedpur and Chaibasa).

The objective of the seminar was to preserve tribal culture and traditions by bringing all the stakeholders of the community on a common platform to discuss about subjects related to biodiversity and ethnobotany. The key discussions of the seminar were on medicinal plants, human health and biodiversity. The indigenous uses of medicinal plants were also talked about in the seminar. In addition to this, there was also an exhibition cum sale of medicinal plants grown in the region.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Michael Raj S said: “Such initiatives are not new for the country but it is important to know why we are discussing this in the present scenario. We should use ayurvedic products in our daily routine to have a long-lasting impact.We need to blend modern science with traditional knowledge.”

Mr Pankaj Satija, GM (OMQ), Tata Steel said: “Botanic gardens have played a major role in the economic, cultural and scientific development of many countries in the world. They have an important role to play in conservation of plants, but conservation cannot succeed without education. Deliberations like this help us in preserving traditions and enhancing our knowledge on Ayurveda.This programme is our contribution towards national biodiversity targets ”

Mr Biren Ramesh Bhuta, Chief, CSR, Tata Steel said: There are many locations in India where access to medical services and communication technology and connectivity is not available, then the only source of cure is Ayurveda. Therefore, we must promote the use of ayurvedic medicines in such places.

The other eminent guests present on the occasion were Ms Laxmi Soren, West Singbhum Zila Parishad Member; Mr. Krishna Bodra, President Aadivasi “HO” Mahasabha and Mr Sanjay Das, General Secretary, Noamundi Mazdoor Union.

The event witnessed participation from distinguished ayurvedic practitioners and academicians such as Dr. M Mahato, Dean, Birsa Agriculture University, Ranchi; Mr. Harmohan Maharatha, OFS, State Medical Plant Board, Odisha; Dr. Adikanda Biswal, Associate Professor, Gopabanndhu Ayurvedic Medical College, Puri; Dr. Arun Kumar Dash, HOD Horticulture Department, OUAT, Bhubaneswar and Dr Jay Kumar, Birsa Agriculture University, Ranchi, among others.

Recognizing the special needs of the tribal community in almost all its areas of operations, the company has given due emphasis to nurturing and preserving their rich culture and heritage. Tata Steel has been working for the preservation of the rich tribal heritage and culture of the indigenous people in the state of Jharkhand and Odisha for over a century now. Tata Steel's efforts in the areas of biodiversity and preservation of heritage of the tribal community in the mineral-rich state of Jharkhand and Odisha have borne some positive results. Tata Steel has set up medicinal gardens across all its mining locations which are a storehouse of many medicinal plants of great significance to human and animal lives.