SRINAGAR, FEBRUARY 11: World Unani Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm and academic significance at Government Dental College, Srinagar, under the theme “Innovation and Evidence in Unani Practice.” The event commemorated the birth anniversary of the eminent Unani physician, educationist, and freedom fighter Hakim Ajmal Khan, whose vision continues to guide the advancement of the Unani system of medicine in India.
Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, Vice Chancellor, Islamic University of Science & Technology (IUST), graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Prof. (Dr.) Iffat Ahmad Shah, Principal, Government Unani Medical College Ganderbal; Prof. Dr. Sandeep Kour Bali Principal, Government Dental College Srinagar; Prof. (Dr.) Shabir Ahmad Shah, MS Govt Dental College Srinagar; Dr. Showkat Hussain Ittoo, Registrar, Board of Ayurveda and Unani System of Medicine; Dr. Sujad Hussain Shuja, Assistant Director, Directorate of AYUSH, J&K also Participated in the program.
In his address, the Vice Chancellor paid rich tributes to Hakim Ajmal Khan, describing him as a reformer who institutionalized Unani education and emphasized scientific temper in traditional medicine. He stated that the theme of this year,” Innovation and Evidence in Unani Practice” resonates deeply with Hakim Ajmal Khan’s vision of combining classical wisdom with modern research methodologies. He further informed the gathering that IUST has established a dedicated Unani Cell to promote advanced research in Unani medicine, and that the University has initiated Postgraduate and Ph.D. programmes in the Unani system, thereby creating a robust academic and research ecosystem for the discipline in Jammu & Kashmir.
Prof. (Dr.) Iffat Ahmad Shah, in her address, highlighted the monumental role of Hakim Ajmal Khan in strengthening medical education and public health institutions in India. He emphasized that innovation in Unani practice must be rooted in authentic classical knowledge while being supported by scientific validation and interdisciplinary collaboration.
The Keynote Address on the theme was delivered by Dr. Sujad Hussain Shuja, Assistant Director, Directorate of AYUSH, J&K, who spoke extensively about translating the legacy of Hakim Ajmal Khan into contemporary action through clinical documentation, pharmacological research, drug standardization, and integration of innovation with evidence-based practice. He highlighted the recent achievements of the Directorate of AYUSH, J&K, in expanding AYUSH healthcare services, strengthening academic institutions, and promoting research initiatives across the Union Territory.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Mushtaq Payer, District Ayush Officer Srinagar, who described Hakim Ajmal Khan as a symbol of intellectual excellence and national service, whose contributions laid the foundation for modern Unani institutional frameworks in India.
The event also featured an impressive poster presentation session by students from various Unani colleges of Kashmir, showcasing innovative research concepts and evidence-based clinical perspectives aligned with the theme.
The function witnessed participation from District Officers AYUSH of Kashmir Division, Medical Officers (Unani), research scholars, faculty members, and students, reflecting strong academic engagement within the Unani fraternity.
The celebration reaffirmed the collective resolve to carry forward the visionary legacy of Hakim Ajmal Khan by strengthening innovation, research, and evidence-based advancement of the Unani system of medicine in Jammu & Kashmir.