Pune: Vice-President of India CP Radhakrishnan on Sunday called for an urgent shift towards preventive and holistic healthcare as he flagged lifestyle diseases as a silent epidemic, emphasising that stress, poor diet and fast-paced lives are driving a surge in diabetes, hypertension and obesity across the country.
Radhakrishnan was speaking at the 81st foundation day of the Nisargopachar Ashram in Uruli Kanchan, near Pune.
He said while allopathy remained essential – particularly for diagnosis and emergency care – long-term healing often required a broader approach that included traditional systems like naturopathy, yoga and Ayurveda.
The event was attended by Maharashtra governor Jishnu Dev Varma, Rajya Sabha deputy chairman Harivansh Singh, Maharashtra deputy chief minister Sunetra Pawar, Maharashtra Legislative Council deputy chairperson Neelam Gorhe, MLA Dnyaneshwar Katke and chief trustee of Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Sansthan, Alandi, Bhavartha Ramachandra Dekhane.
The ashram was founded in 1946 with the vision to make healthcare affordable and accessible. It has evolved into a globally recognised centre for natural healing. Radhakrishnan said the institution draws from principles of simplicity, discipline and harmony with nature and acknowledged the role of the community’s contributions in its establishment.
Over the decades, the ashram has expanded its scope beyond healthcare to rural development, training in sustainability and promoting self-reliance among local communities. Its focus on preventive healthcare through naturopathy and yoga was described as increasingly relevant in the face of rising lifestyle diseases.
The V-P termed medical conditions like diabetes, hypertension, obesity and stress-related disorders a silent epidemic, attributing the rise to fast-paced lifestyles, poor dietary habits and increasing mental stress. He referred to the Covid-19 pandemic and said it underscored the need for stronger preventive health systems and mental resilience.
“Tension is not a disease, but a state of mind,” he said, emphasising the need to manage emotions, adapt to changing situations and maintain mental balance.
He said health should be understood as a state of complete physical, mental and spiritual well-being, rather than a mere absence of diseases. Despite improved access to material comforts, levels of happiness appeared to be declining due to rising aspirations and stress, he added.
Calling for a shift towards simple living, he urged people to adopt a balanced nutrition, regular physical activity and lifestyles aligned with nature. He also mentioned the need for closer collaboration between institutions like the ashram and public systems to improve healthcare delivery, especially in rural areas.
Radhakrishnan said building a healthier society required collective effort, patience and a focus on community well-being over individualism. Earlier, managing trustee of the ashram NG Hegde gave a welcome speech.
