Introduction

The IA Ayurvedic Medical College (IAMC), University of Science & Technology Meghalaya, hosted a grand one-day event titled “Ayur-Praveshika – A Journey from Tradition to Transition” to welcome the incoming batch of BAMS students (2025–2026). The programme marked the beginning of a new academic journey, blending traditional Ayurvedic knowledge with modern scientific perspectives, and aimed to introduce students and parents to the philosophy, curriculum, and holistic spirit of Ayurveda.

The event was graced by eminent personalities, faculty members, students, and parents, reflecting IAMC’s vision of nurturing compassionate, knowledgeable, and service-oriented healthcare professionals.

 Orientation Programme (31st October 2025)

The first day began with registration of students and parents at 9:00 AM, followed by the inauguration of the AYUR EXPO, which set the tone for the event. The inaugural ceremony commenced with the lighting of the lamp and Dhanvantari Vandana, invoking the blessings of Lord Dhanvantari — the divine source of Ayurveda.

AYUR EXPO and Interactive Exhibition

The second day was dedicated to the AYUR EXPO, organized in front of Block-C, USTM. The exhibition aimed to showcase the diverse applications of Ayurveda in daily life and was open to students, faculty, and visitors from other departments.

Five major stalls were set up, each focusing on a unique aspect of Ayurvedic practice and lifestyle:

1. Ayur Health Concept – Demonstrations on basic Ayurvedic diagnostics, body constitution (Prakriti), and lifestyle recommendations for health preservation.
2. UHAN Health Unit – Presentations on Ayurvedic public health initiatives and preventive healthcare models for rural communities.
3. Medicinal Plant & Kitchen Garden – Live display of medicinal herbs, along with guidance on cultivating herbal plants for home remedies and daily wellness.
4. Herbal Beauty Care – Demonstrations of natural skincare and cosmetic preparations using Ayurvedic ingredients, promoting chemical-free beauty practices.
5. Kitchen Gardening & Nutrition – Exhibits on sustainable food practices, organic gardening, and the role of diet (Ahara) in maintaining dosha balance.

The stalls drew tremendous participation, with students actively engaging in explaining the concepts to visitors, thereby strengthening their practical understanding of Ayurvedic principles.

An audio-visual presentation on the importance of Lord Dhanvantari provided insights into the roots of Ayurvedic wisdom. The Principal of IAMC, Prof. (Dr.) Rama Kanta Sharma, then delivered the welcome address, highlighting the theme “A Journey from Tradition to Transition” and reaffirming IAMC’s mission of redefining Ayurveda through research, innovation, and compassion.

The event was honored by the presence of Chief Guest Sant Shri Hem Bhai Ji, a revered spiritual leader from Shanti Sadhana Ashram, Guwahati, and Guest of Honour Dr. Yanbeni Humptsoe, Vice Principal of Government Ayurvedic College, Jalukbari, Guwahati.

• Sant Shri Hem Bhai Ji, in his inspiring address, emphasized the spiritual essence of Ayurveda and urged students to embrace humility, mindfulness, and empathy in their healing journey.
• Dr. Yanbeni Humptsoe encouraged students to pursue excellence in academics and research while staying rooted in India’s traditional healing systems.

Following this, Guest Speaker Dr. Abhinandan Das, Principal of PIMC, addressed the gathering, motivating students to balance theoretical knowledge with clinical practice.

A “Learning from Seniors” session conducted by Miskat and Neelsagar offered valuable insights from senior students on academic preparation, discipline, and campus life. New batch students were then engaged in a Pre-Test session to assess their understanding of Ayurveda and institutional activities.

After a lunch break, Dr. Shikha Lekharu, Asso Prof Samhita & siddhanta, IAMC presented the BAMS curriculum, elaborating on the course structure, examination system, and internship process. This was followed by a Cultural Programme, where students showcased their artistic talents through songs, dance, and skits, symbolizing the cultural richness of Ayurveda.

A parent-student open discussion session facilitated by Dr. Barnali Das provided a platform for interaction, feedback, and clarifications about the institution’s facilities, teaching methodology, and support systems.

The day concluded with a Yoga demonstration by Mr. Khagen Kalita, emphasizing the role of yoga in health maintenance, followed by a photography session and a Vote of Thanks delivered by Dr. Rezvi S. Ahmed, Assistant Professor (Sanskrit), IAMC.

AYUR EXPO and Interactive Exhibition

The second day was dedicated to the AYUR EXPO, organized in front of Block-C, USTM. The exhibition aimed to showcase the diverse applications of Ayurveda in daily life and was open to students, faculty, and visitors from other departments.

Five major stalls were set up, each focusing on a unique aspect of Ayurvedic practice and lifestyle:

1. Ayur Health Concept – Demonstrations on basic Ayurvedic diagnostics, body constitution (Prakriti), and lifestyle recommendations for health preservation.
2. UHAN Health Unit – Presentations on Ayurvedic public health initiatives and preventive healthcare models for rural communities, role of diet (Ahara) in maintaining dosha balance, A unit of UHAN with DMS, UHAN, Metron, sister staff, RMO done free Health check up with RBS test including BMI calculation of 41 Volunteers.
3. Medicinal Plant & Kitchen Garden – Live display of medicinal herbs, along with guidance on cultivating herbal plants for home remedies and daily wellness, A small display was put up to create awareness regarding the use of purified metals and minerals as ingredients in various Ayurvedic Formulations. Students of 2^nd Professional BAMS under the guidance of Dr Priya Bari (Asst Professor) & Dr Salka Debbarma (Asst Prof) prepared Herbal Kashaya which was distributed among everyone gaining wide appreciation.
4. Herbal Beauty Care – Demonstrations of natural skincare and cosmetic preparations using Ayurvedic ingredients, promoting chemical-free beauty practices.
5. Baidyanath (Goodcare) Stall – Featured a range of authentic Ayurvedic products by Baidyanath (Goodcare). Experts explained the preparation of classical formulations, herbal supplements, and wellness tonics, highlighting over a century of Baidyanath’s contribution to Ayurvedic healthcare.

The stalls drew tremendous participation, with students actively engaging in explaining the concepts to visitors, thereby strengthening their practical understanding of Ayurvedic principles.

Feedback Summary

• Students appreciated the warmth of the welcome, clarity of academic orientation, and the interactive learning experiences during both the orientation and expo.
• Parents expressed satisfaction with the transparent communication, institution’s values, and emphasis on holistic development.
• Guests and dignitaries praised IAMC’s efforts to promote Ayurveda through innovation while maintaining its cultural and ethical foundations.

Conclusion

The “Ayur-Praveshika – A Journey from Tradition to Transition” programme successfully marked the beginning of the BAMS 2025–2026 academic year. The seamless integration of academic orientation, cultural enrichment, yoga practice, and the Ayur Expo created a vibrant and holistic learning atmosphere.

The gracious participation and honouring of all distinguished guests by the Hon’ble Chancellor of USTM added immense prestige to the event, symbolizing the university’s unwavering commitment to holistic education.

This event truly embodied the essence of Ayurveda — a journey of learning, healing, and transformation. It inspired the new students to uphold the core values of knowledge, compassion, and service, laying a strong foundation for their future as dedicated Ayurvedic professionals.