05/10/2025
MARMA Vanaspati Darshan 2025: Activity Report
Organized By: Maha Ayurved Research & Medical Association (MARMA)
(Registered Ayurvedic Professional Association)
Title of the Event: Vanaspati Darshan – 2025
Date of the Event: Sunday, 5th October 2025
Venue: Vakighol – Radhanagari – Dajipur Wildlife Sanctuary, Kolhapur District, Maharashtra
Organizing Committee:
Dr. Ajit Rajigare, President
Dr. Prasad Sangar, Vice President
Dr. Parag Kulkarni, Secretary
Dr. Sachin Ganeshwadi, Joint Secretary
Dr. Ranjeet Patil
Dr. Ankush Sanghavi
Dr. Prashant Chougule
Dr. Aniket Patil
Experts / Resource Persons:
1. Mr. Bhanudas Chavan, M.Sc. (Biodiversity) – Expert Botanist, Ethnobotany Specialist, Plant Taxonomist
2. Prof. Dr. Laxmikant Patil, M.D. (Dravyaguna) – Vice Principal & Head, Department of Dravyaguna, Yashwant Ayurvedic Medical College, Kodoli, Kolhapur
Special Inauguration Ceremony:
The prestigious event “MARMA Vanaspati Darshan 2025” was inaugurated with great enthusiasm and dignity by the auspicious hands of Hon’ble Shri Prakashji Abitkar,
Public Health Minister, Government of Maharashtra, at Gargoti, Kolhapur.
In his inspiring inaugural address, Hon’ble Minister appreciated the efforts of MARMA for organizing such a scientifically enriching and environmentally significant activity, emphasizing the importance of Ayurveda, biodiversity conservation, and community health awareness.
He highlighted the government’s commitment to promoting Ayurvedic education, herbal resource conservation, and field-based learning as essential parts of the holistic health system.
The inauguration ceremony witnessed the presence of dignitaries, faculty members, and enthusiastic students who expressed gratitude for the minister’s support and motivation. His
presence added immense value, encouragement, and recognition to the entire initiative, marking a proud moment for all organizers and participants.
Objective of the Activity:
The primary aim of organizing MARMA Vanaspati Darshan 2025 was to offer Ayurvedic students, practitioners, and enthusiasts a golden opportunity to:
Identify and study live medicinal plants in their natural forest ecosystem.
Understand their Ayurvedic, pharmacological, and ecological significance.
Learn about traditional uses, sustainable harvesting, and biodiversity conservation.
Strengthen practical learning and field-based orientation in the subject of Dravyaguna Vigyana.
Participation:
Total Delegates: More than 40 participants including UG & PG Ayurvedic students, teaching faculty, and practitioners from various institutions.
All participants pre-registered, ensuring well-organized logistics, safety, and coordination.
The event was executed with utmost discipline and enthusiasm, reflecting deep interest in Ayurvedic plant study.
Detailed Description of the Event:
The one-day educational tour began at 8:00 AM sharp from Dasara Chowk, Kolhapur. All participants assembled in traditional Ayurvedic spirit and departed in a fleet of buses towards the Radhanagari-Dajipur Wildlife Sanctuary, a region rich in medicinal biodiversity.
After arrival, the program commenced with a brief orientation by the organizing committee, followed by a warm welcome to experts Mr. Bhanudas Chavan and Prof. Dr. Laxmikant Patil. The forest trail walk was then initiated, focusing on live identification and demonstration of more than 100 Ayurvedic medicinal plants.
Field Study Highlights:
Botanical Identification:
Mr. Chavan explained the botanical and morphological features of numerous forest herbs, shrubs, and trees with precision.
Ayurvedic Interpretation:
Prof. Dr. Laxmikant Patil correlated every specimen with its Ayurvedic name, properties (Rasa, Guna, Virya, Vipaka, Prabhava), and therapeutic use, thus bridging modern taxonomy with classical Ayurvedic wisdom.
Ethnobotanical Insights:
The team learned about local tribal applications of medicinal plants, enhancing understanding of folk medicine and its relation to Ayurvedic traditions.
Practical Learning:
Participants documented findings, captured photographs, and interacted with experts, transforming theoretical knowledge into practical understanding.
Recreational & Motivational Component:
After the field exploration, a refreshing forest lunch was served amidst serene nature.
The afternoon session included a nature trek to the famous 7 Waterfalls, symbolizing rejuvenation, purification, and harmony with the Panchamahabhutas (five elements).
This activity fostered team spirit, relaxation, and deep appreciation for natural Ayurvedic resources.
Outcome and Impact:
The event was a grand success with multiple educational and motivational outcomes:
1. Academic Excellence:
Over 100 live medicinal plants were studied and identified with their Ayurvedic correlations.
2. High Motivation and Satisfaction:
Participants expressed unanimous appreciation for the knowledge, exposure, and organization of the event.
3. Experiential Learning:
The practical insights gained are expected to significantly enhance classroom learning in Dravyaguna Vigyana.
4. Environmental Awareness:
The tour reinforced the message of plant conservation, herbal sustainability, and eco-conscious living.
5. Professional Networking:
The event created opportunities for interaction, collaboration, and future research linkage among students and professionals.
6. Governmental Recognition:
The inauguration by Hon’ble Minister Shri Prakash Abitkar gave the event official acknowledgment and motivational impetus for future MARMA initiatives.
Feedback and Reflections:
Feedback collected from participants was overwhelmingly positive:
95% of participants rated the event as “Excellent” in learning satisfaction.
Experts appreciated the participants’ curiosity, discipline, and active involvement.
Students described the event as a “live green classroom” and “unforgettable experiential learning day.”
Conclusion:
The MARMA Vanaspati Darshan 2025, organized by Maha Ayurved Research & Medical Association (MARMA), successfully achieved its objective of integrating Ayurveda, nature, and learning.
The event proved to be a milestone in field-based Ayurvedic education, blending scientific observation with spiritual connection to the environment.
The successful inauguration by Hon’ble Shri Prakashji Abitkar, coupled with the expert guidance of Mr. Bhanudas Chavan and Prof. Dr. Laxmikant Patil, elevated the academic and inspirational value of the event.
It stands as a model activity for all Ayurvedic institutions aspiring to implement experiential, eco-friendly, and research-oriented learning programs.
Prepared By:
Dr. Parag Kulkarni
Secretary, MARMA
Approved By:
Dr. Ajit Rajigare – President, MARMA
Dr. Prasad Sangar – Vice President, MARMA
