STRC Update​

Science and Technology Resource Centre (STRC), Gondwana University in collaboration with the BAIF Institute for Sustainable Livelihoods Development (BISLD), Pune, successfully organized a three-day Certificate Course on Traditional Health Services for traditional healers (Vaidus) from 2 to 4 June 2026 at STRC. The programme aimed to strengthen the capacities of traditional healers by integrating indigenous healthcare knowledge with scientific approaches, promoting medicinal plant conservation, standardized herbal medicine preparation, and quality assurance practices.
The programme was inaugurated by Dr. Shriram Kawale, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Gondwana University. Other dignitaries present included Shri. Swapnil Girade, Chief Program Officer and Head, STRC; Dr. Poonam Patil, Coordinator, BISLD, BAIF, Pune; Dr. Bipin Parmar, AYUSH Expert; and Vaidya Manjulaben Patel. In his inaugural address, Dr. Kawale emphasized the importance of preserving, documenting, and scientifically validating traditional medicinal knowledge, while highlighting the vital role of traditional healers in improving healthcare access in rural and tribal communities.
The training covered key topics such as traditional healthcare systems, preventive healthcare, conservation, preservation and good storage practices for medicinal plants, naturopathy, Charak Kendra development, herbal medicine preparation, and certification process. The programme combined expert lectures, practical demonstrations, interactive discussions, experience sharing, and field exposure to enhance participants’ knowledge and practical skills.
The certificate course strengthened the capacity of traditional healers to promote medicinal plant conservation, adopt standardized treatment practices, and establish community-based Charak Kendras. The initiative represents an important step towards preserving and formally recognizing India’s rich traditional healthcare knowledge while improving healthcare services in tribal and rural regions.The programme was inaugurated by Dr. Shriram Kawale, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Gondwana University. Other dignitaries present included Shri. Swapnil Girade, Chief Program Officer and Head, STRC; Dr. Poonam Patil, Coordinator, BISLD, BAIF, Pune; Dr. Bipin Parmar, AYUSH Expert; and Vaidya Manjulaben Patel. In his inaugural address, Dr. Kawale emphasized the importance of preserving, documenting, and scientifically validating traditional medicinal knowledge, while highlighting the vital role of traditional healers in improving healthcare access in rural and tribal communities.