Indore, India: A two-day national workshop on “Development of Urban Forest, Nursery Management and Conservation of Rare, Endangered and Threatened (RET) Plant Species” commenced at Government Holkar (Model Autonomous) Science College in Indore. The event is being organised by the Departments of Horticulture and Microbiology in collaboration with Vijnana Bharati. A key highlight of the workshop was the recognition of traditional knowledge holders.

World Book of Records honoured Vaidyas (traditional healers) who came from remote and interior regions of Madhya Pradesh, along with forest guards, for their invaluable ethnomedicinal knowledge. Research papers documenting their traditional healing practices have also been published, bringing wider recognition to their contributions.

The accolade was presented by eminent dignitaries including Dr. Rajesh Lal Mehra; MPPSC Chairman, Dr. R. K. Singhai; Vice Chancellor DAVV, Santosh Shukla, CEO World Book of Records and Dr. Vinod Bhandari. Keynote addresses were delivered by PC Dubey, Patanjali Jha, and SK Billore, who emphasized the importance of biodiversity conservation.

During the discussions, the therapeutic potential of plants such as black turmeric was highlighted, including ongoing research in cancer treatment. Also present at the event were Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram national head Girish Kuber and Shivkant Vijayvargiya, along with Indore forest circle officer Lal Sudhakar.

The program concluded with Principal Anamika Jain extending a warm welcome and vote of thanks to all dignitaries by Prof. Capt. Dr. Sanjay Vyas. The workshop highlighted the importance of integrating traditional knowledge with modern scientific research to promote sustainable environmental conservation and healthcare solutions.