National Institute For Sowa-Rigpa

Explanation :

• The Union Cabinet, on 21st November, 2019, approved the establishment of the National Institute for Sowa-Rigpa (NISR) in Lehas an autonomous organization under the Ministry of AYUSH.
• The Sowa-Rigpa is a traditional Tibetan system of medicine which is practiced in the Himalayan belt of India and is popular in the states of Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and West Bengal’s Darjeeling along with the Union Territory of Ladakh.
• Yuthog Yonten Gonpo is believed to be the father of Sowa Rigpa. He had composed rGyud-bZhi (four tantra) the fundamental text book of this medicine. rGyud-bZhi is based on indigenous medicine of Tibet enriched with Ayurveda, Chinese and Greek Medicine.
• The setting up of the NISR would provide an impetus for the revival of Sowa-Rigpa in the Indian Sub-continent.
• The Institute will also provide opportunities for students of Sowa-Rigpa not only in India but also from other countries.