Yanung Jamoh Lego, a distinguished herbalist and advocate for traditional healing practices, was conferred with the prestigious Padma Shri Award by the President of India during a civil investiture ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday.
Lego, born in 1963 in Sika Tode village in East Siang district, has been recognised for her remarkable contributions to herbal medicine and agriculture.
With a legacy rooted in her father's expertise as a folk healer, Lego embarked on a journey that led her to pursue education in agriculture from the Assam Agricultural University.
After joining the agriculture department in Arunachal Pradesh in 1988, Lego's passion for herbal medicine flourished, inspired by her 15-year apprenticeship under her father's tutelage.
Her treatments, grounded in traditional knowledge and local herbs, have provided life-saving remedies for over 300,000 patients battling various life-threatening illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, and hypertension.
In 2009, Lego founded the Indigenous Herbal Heritage, an organisation dedicated to promoting the cultivation and knowledge of medicinal plants.
Through her leadership, the organisation has educated over 100,000 individuals on the benefits of herbal medicines and planted approximately 5,000 medicinal plants annually to ensure sustainability.
Lego's pioneering efforts have garnered widespread acclaim, earning her several accolades, including the Arunachal Pradesh State Award in 2019, the SRISTI Samman Award in 2007, and the Paramparika Vaidya Ratna Award in 2013.
Upon her return to East Siang district, Lego received a warm reception from the local community, including members of the 90s Hero Sporting Club, the Adi Bane Kebang (women), and villagers of Sika Tode. She was felicitated by various local societies, further highlighting her esteemed status in Arunachal Pradesh.
Governor KT Parnaik extended his congratulations to Lego, emphasising the significance of her recognition in celebrating indigenous herbal medicine experts and preserving traditional healing practices.
He lauded the Padma Shri Award as a testament to the efficacy and ethical practice of herbal treatments passed down through generations.
The honour bestowed upon Lego underscores the vital role of traditional medicine in contemporary health discourse, affirming her as a visionary in integrating ancient wisdom with modern healthcare approaches.
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