Siddha Day: Santhigiri Siddha College shines in gold

Tiruchirappalli (Chennai): Pothencode Santhigiri Siddha Medical College, the first english medium Siddha College in the country is shining with gold medals on the 6th Siddha Day. Dr. Shyamaroopa Jnana Thapaswini has secured first rank in post graduation in general medicine of Siddha from TNMGR Medical University and Dr. Geethasree Balaji also got first rank in pediatrics in Siddha. And Silkeena Thopil got first rank in BSMS from Kerala University of Health Sciences. All the three meritorious students are from Santhigiri, Kerala. Infact Dr. Janani Shyamarupa Jnana Thapaswini is a member of Gurudharma Prakasa Sabha of Santhigiri Ashram. Dr. Geethashree Balaji is the daughter of Gantashal G Balaji Prasad and Usharani Balaji of Orappakkam, Chengalpet. Silkeena Thopil is daughter of Sobha Anthony and late Anthony Thopil of Ernakulam Thopil House.
Central Council for Research in Siddha, National Institute of Siddha, Directorate of Indian Medicine & Homeopathy jointly organizes the Siddha Day celebrations at SPS Mahal Hall, Karumandapam at Thiruchi. Union AYUSH Minister Sarbananda Sonowal will award the gold medals to the rank winners. AYUSH Secretary Padma Shri Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha presides over the function, Union Minister of State for Women and Child Welfare Development-AYUSH Department Dr. Munjupara Mahendrabhai, Tamil Nadu State Health Minister M.A. Subramanian will be the chief guests. Rajya Sabha MP Tiruchi Siva, Lok Sabha MP. Su Thirunavakarasar, AYUSH Special Secretary Pramod Kumar Pathak, Tamil Nadu State Health and Family Welfare Principal Secretary Dr. P. Senthilkumar, Directorate of Indian Medicine and Homeopathy Director S. Ganesh, Joint Director Dr. P. Parthipan, National Institute of Siddha Director and Director General (incharge) of Central Council of Siddha Research Prof. Dr. R. Meenakumari will also attend the function.
All the Siddha colleges of the country will be represented at the function to be held on January 8 and 9. This year’s theme is ‘Siddha dietics and Nutrients for a Healthy Life’. The plenary sessions on January 9 will feature Dr. M. Ilangovan, Principal Scientist, Indian Institute of Millets Research, Hyderabad, Dr. G. Sivaraman, Member, Tamil Nadu State Planning Commission, National Food Consultant and Siddha Expert, Mauritius, Dr. G. Madhu Kartesh will lead the classes. Apart from Tamil Nadu medical students and doctors, medical professionals from Kerala will also participate in the Siddha Day celebrations, said Dr. R. Meenakumari. The birthday of Saint Agastyar, one of the foremost Siddha Gurus, is celebrated as Siddha Day all over the world.