Elders and experts, led by Rajeev Singh, are driving a community effort to record traditional plant-based healthcare practices for formal review.
Published: October 4, 2026 | Location: Giridih, Jharkhand | Category: Regional / Health & Tribal Culture
SIMARKOTHI, GIRIDIH — In a major initiative aimed at safeguarding indigenous healthcare wisdom and promoting natural living, a high-impact awareness seminar on Hodopathy—the traditional tribal system of plant-based medicine—was organised today in Simarkothi village under the Pirtand block of Giridih district.
The event drew an overwhelming response, with a large turnout of local villagers, tribal elders, traditional practitioners (Pahans and Vaidyas), and youth filling the venue.
Addressing the gathering as key speaker, Rajeev Singh underscored the critical importance of integrating natural, forest-derived remedies into primary health care. They emphasised that Hodopathy represents centuries of empirical knowledge rooted in the symbiotic relationship between tribal communities and their local ecosystems.
“Hodopathy is not just an ancient tradition; it is a sustainable, accessible approach to wellness,” noted the speakers. “By understanding the healing properties of nature, rural communities can address common health issues while keeping their ancestral heritage alive.”
During the interactive session, village elders and local health practitioners shared traditional remedies utilising forest herbs, roots, bark, and seasonal plants native to the Parasnath and Pirtand forest region. Topics of discussion included natural immunity boosters, treatments for seasonal fevers, digestive ailments, and first-aid wound care using non-synthetic ingredients.
A primary objective of the seminar was the systematic documentation of this largely oral heritage. To prevent the loss of valuable traditional wisdom, all discussions, plant recipes, and diagnostic methods shared by the participants were meticulously recorded in writing and audio format. Organisers confirmed that these records will undergo formal review, scientific documentation, and botanical verification for future research and archival purposes.
The seminar concluded with a collective pledge by the villagers of Simarkothi to protect the surrounding forest biodiversity and establish local medicinal plant gardens (Herbal Poshan Vatikas). Follow-up sessions are slated to be conducted across the Pirtand region to expand the documentation initiative.