Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan has urged citizens to reconnect with nature and adopt healthier lifestyles, warning that modern-day habits are contributing to a sharp rise in lifestyle-related illnesses across the country. Speaking during the 81st Foundation Day celebration of the Nisargopachar Ashram in Uruli Kanchan near Pune, the Vice President emphasized the importance of balanced living, natural healing practices, and preventive healthcare. He highlighted that India’s traditional wellness systems such as Yoga, Ayurveda, and naturopathy are gaining increasing recognition around the world for promoting both physical and mental well-being.

Radhakrishnan said that in today’s fast-moving and stressful world, people are becoming increasingly dependent on medicines while neglecting the basics of healthy living. According to him, issues like poor eating habits, lack of physical activity, stress, obesity, diabetes, and hypertension are becoming common because many people have moved away from a natural and disciplined lifestyle. Referring to Mahatma Gandhi’s belief in nature-based healing, the Vice President noted that true wellness comes from simplicity, self-discipline, and harmony with nature. He described institutions like the Nisargopachar Ashram not just as healthcare centers, but as movements that encourage people to rethink the way they live and care for their bodies and minds.

He also stressed that Yoga and naturopathy should not be seen as replacements for modern medicine but as complementary approaches that can help individuals maintain long-term health. Preventive healthcare, he suggested, is becoming more important than ever as India faces a growing burden of non-communicable diseases. The Vice President further pointed out that happiness and good health are closely connected. In an age where people often chase material success, he said inner peace, emotional balance, and healthy relationships are equally essential for a fulfilling life. He encouraged citizens to focus on mental well-being along with physical fitness.

Experts believe that the message carries strong relevance in urban India, where long work hours, processed food consumption, screen addiction, and sedentary routines have significantly altered lifestyles over the past decade. Simple changes such as regular exercise, mindful eating, spending time outdoors, reducing stress, and maintaining work-life balance can go a long way in improving overall health.

Radhakrishnan also praised the growing global interest in India’s traditional systems of wellness under the Ministry of AYUSH, saying the country’s ancient knowledge can play a major role in building a healthier society. As conversations around sustainable living and holistic health continue to gain momentum, the Vice President’s remarks have once again drawn attention to the need for a healthier, more nature-connected way of life in modern India.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from News On AIR.