#### National Symposium-Cum-Workshop at V.B.R.I.
National Symposium-Cum-Workshop at V.B.R.I.: Sustainable Use of Tribal and Traditional Knowledge in Food and Medicinal Plants
Udaipur, A National Seminar cum Workshop on “Traditional/Indigenous Knowledge and Sustainable Use of Traditional Food and Medicinal Plants: Dissemination, Conservation, and Protection” was organized at Vidya Bhawan Rural Institute (VBRI), Udaipur.
The primary objective of the workshop was to formulate a strategic framework for the promotion, preservation, and sustainable utilization of traditional food and medicinal plants. The event witnessed the active participation of eminent scholars, NGOs, and practitioners, focusing on strengthening community knowledge systems and ensuring their sustainable application for future generations.
Prof. Kanika Sharma, Director, VBRI and the Convener of the program, informed that the inaugural session was chaired by Mr. Rajendra Bhatt, Executive Director, Vidya Bhawan Society, Udaipur, while the Chief Guest and Keynote Speaker was Prof. Ashok Kumar Jain, Former Director, S.K. Institute of Ethnobiology, Jiwaji University, Gwalior. The event was organized in collaboration with the Centre for Microfinance and the Foundation for Ecological Security (FES).
According to Dr. Anita Jain, Organizing Secretary, the workshop was conducted in four sessions and witnessed the participation of over 100 delegates, both online and offline.
The event commenced with a tribute to Late Prof. S.K. Jain, regarded as the Father of Ethnobotany in India, whose pioneering work in recognizing and documenting indigenous knowledge remains an inspiration for contemporary research and conservation efforts.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. A.K. Jain emphasized the immense potential of traditional food and medicinal plants for health, nutrition, and sustainable livelihoods, while cautioning that many of these species face serious threats. Citing an IUCN report, he highlighted that nearly 21% of medicinal and aromatic plant species are on the verge of extinction, underscoring the urgent need for their conservation. “Without living in harmony with nature,” he remarked, “the study of ethnobotany is incomplete.”
In his presidential address, Mr. Rajendra Bhatt stressed the importance of focusing on plant species used as food sources. Prof. Kanika Sharma further emphasized the need for such seminars to promote and strengthen the field of ethnobotany.
Joining online from Bangalore, Prof. Arvind Saklani shed light on nutraceuticals, discussing medicinal and nutrient-rich products made from plants like Ashwagandha, Turmeric, and Coleus.
In the offline technical sessions, Prof. S.S. Katewa elaborated on various folk medicinal plants found in Rajasthan, emphasizing the importance of documenting the vast indigenous knowledge preserved by tribal communities. Dr. Satish Kumar Sharma discussed biodiversity in Rajasthan and traditional methods of plant conservation, while also explaining the role of minor forest produce in tribal welfare.
Dr. G.P. Jhala spoke about lesser-known medicinal plants such as Akda, Vayalkadi, Khadula, and Nami, used by traditional healers, whereas Dr. Anil Sarvasaran highlighted citizens’ roles in the collection and conservation of non-timber forest products.
Dr. Vartika Jain emphasized the need for proper methodologies in ethnobotanical documentation to maintain academic quality and stressed necessary precautions before beginning lab-based research on traditional plant species.
The program was anchored by Dr. Saba Khan and concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. T.P. Sharma.
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