High Commission of India in Kuala Lumpur organized the Celebration of Siddha Day. The event is aligned to the Amrit Mahotsav theme of Resolve@75.
It was organized in partnership with the Malaysian Association of Traditional Medicine (PEPTIM) to commemorate the birthday of the great sage Siddhar Agnathiar. The Celebration was held on 23 December 2021at the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose India Cultural Centre (NSCBICC) at Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur.
The event began with welcome remarks by the PEPTIM representative, who spoke about the celebration of Siddha Day to commemorate the birthday of the great sage Siddhar Agnathia. High Commissioner Shri. B.N. Reddy in his keynote address highlighted the relevance of traditional medicine systems for contemporary health and lifestyle-related problems. He also outlined various initiatives of the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, to promote practice and research in Siddha and other traditional medicine systems. He noted that the cooperation between India and Malaysia was strong and growing in the field of traditional medicine systems. Director of Traditional and Complementary Medicine Division, Ministry of Health, Government of Malaysia, Dr. Goh Cheng Soon delivered the felicitation address and highlighted the long and continuing practice of the Siddha system of medicine in Malaysia. She expressed the commitment of the Government of Malaysia to continue to work with India in this important area of traditional medicine systems. Dr. Mohana Dass Ramasamy, Senior Lecturer and Deputy Head of the Department of Indian Studies in University Malaya, and Dr. Janany Pohoopalan, President of PEPTIM made presentations highlighting the various aspects of the Siddha system of medicine. Siddha Yoga performances by practitioners showcased the importance and practice of Siddha for a healthy life. In continuation of the celebration, a daylong Siddha Expo & Free Medical Camp was held on 25 December 2021 at the NSCBICC, KL. The Siddha Expo held on 25 December showcased the natural herbs, plants, and other ingredients of various medicines used in the practice of the Siddha system of medicine, instruments used in medicinal preparations, etc. The Expo also showcased various organic food items and natural herbs available across the country. The objective of the Expo was to promote the understanding of Siddha treatment among the general populace. In addition to the Expo, a Free Siddha Medical Camp was held which was aimed at providing Siddha Medicine/healthcare services to meet the immediate health care needs of the community. The Siddha expo and the medical camp invoked a great response from the local community.