It is with great pleasure and pride, I would like to announce that, Science & Technology Resource Centre (STRC), Gondwana University, Gadchiroli, is gearing up to organize a National Workshop on Indigenous Medicinal Knowledge (IMK-2025) in collaboration with esteemed institutions and knowledge partners in March 2025. This workshop would represent a crucial step in recognizing, documenting, and strengthening the extensive repository of indigenous medicinal knowledge that has been carefully preserved by generations of traditional healers and communities across India.

Indigenous medicinal knowledge is not just a legacy of the past; it holds immense relevance for the present and future. Forest dependent tribal communities, especially the local Traditional Healers or Vaidus across the Gadchiroli region, nestled in the lush green forests with rich diversity of valuable plant resource, are known to share a symbiotic relationship, have plethora of indigenous medicinal knowledge and are known to be the sole custodian of the age-old wisdom in ethno-medico botany. Such valuable indigenous knowledge inherited from previous generations, gurus, old texts and observations, is now facing an eminent danger of being irretrievable in the absence of scientifically documented evidence and validation.
In an era where sustainable healthcare solutions and biodiversity conservation are of paramount importance, the wisdom embedded in traditional healing practices can offer valuable insights into holistic wellness, ecosystem-based healthcare approaches, and sustainable livelihoods.

To address the concern, STRC had initiated the Van-aushadhi Abhiyan in 2017, series of Vaidu Sammelan in 2019 and development of the Vaidu Directory in 2021 to document this traditional wisdom and practices, culminating in the establishment of the STRC Vaidya Chikitsalay in 2022. This initiative aims to promote traditional healers and their healing practices, and provide them due social recognition. Furthermore, this unique initiative opens the door for intensive research leading to the marriage of traditional healing practices with modern healthcare, ensuring holistic well-being for all, going forward.

IMK 2025 is poised to bring together a diverse group of researchers, practitioners, policymakers, industry leaders and community representatives to engage in meaningful discussions, share experiences, and explore pathways for integrating indigenous medicinal knowledge with contemporary scientific advancements. The workshop aims to foster cross-disciplinary collaborations, advocate for ethical and community-centric approaches to knowledge preservation, and encourage policy frameworks that support the rights of traditional knowledge holders.

As we embark on this journey of learning and co-creation, I urge all of you to actively engage, share insights, and contribute toward strengthening a knowledge ecosystem that values and respects indigenous wisdom. Let us work together to ensure that traditional knowledge systems continue to thrive, benefiting not only local communities but also global healthcare and conservation efforts.

As the head of the organization and on behalf of all my dear colleagues, I extend my heartfelt gratitude, in advance, to all contributors, partners, and participants to make this workshop a platform for meaningful exchange and action. I look forward to insightful discussions and impactful outcomes that will shape the future of indigenous medicinal knowledge in India.