Journalism of Courage
Having completed 25 years,the National Institute of Naturopathy has a string of activities planned to further transform the way ‘healing through nature’ is perceived
The huge signboards that point out the location of the institute are silent testimony of the importance of the place. And the number of years that have made the place what it is reflect its significance. The National Institute of Naturopathy (NIN),in its 25 years of existence,has made a name for itself in the field of care through nature. The NIN,which was first established in 1986 at the historical place of Bapu Bhavan at Tadiwala Road,has completed 25 years this month. So,what began as a humble attempt to usher in change in the way medical treatment is perceived has now been successfully transforming lives.
The institute currently has 50 treatment trainees in addition to the staff of 60. Times have changed and so has the approach towards this kind of treatment. Shares Pooja Shrivastav,a psychologist who uses naturopathy and yoga for therapy,I think in the coming years this method of healing will be the most preferred one as it gives emphasis to the body and its healing capacities. There seems a clear inclination towards Naturopathy and this is reflected in the number of people visiting the institute every day. About five years ago,the number of patients visiting us was around 82-120 per day. That has risen to 180-220 per day. Plus,we are also getting support from the government. This year,we got a grant of Rs 6.3 crore and it is expected to increase next year, says Joseph.
The need for change and greater standards has always motivated the institute. It opened a Sanatorium for HIV positive patients on December 18,with a capacity of 10 patients which is also expected to be increased next year. Among the other activities that NIN has taken up is the training of tribal students,which will also kick off by next year. Apart from these,there are a string of activities planned for 2011 to celebrate its 25 years of successful existence. These will be held at all the NIN centres,including the institutes 14 naturopathy colleges.
The institute also plans to upgrade its treatment facilities by constructing a new Treatment Section Building,of 12,000 sq ft with a capacity to serve 600 patients everyday. It also plans to begin work for a new Govt BNYS (Bachelor of Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences) College,which will be a first in Maharashtra.
Educating through NIN
.Workshop on womenempowerment through Naturopathy
.Health Food exhibitions and cookery classes for general public
.Treatment attendant training course – one year course
.Weekly lectures
.One day health workshop
.One day regional language workshop
.Eight yoga classes daily
.Acupressure clinic
