When the sages meet the techies…
Planet Health, an interactive digital museum on Yoga and Ayurveda in the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga in New Delhi blends perfectly to bring out traditional Indian medicine in a modern form. The Union Ministry calls this the first of its kind museum on traditional medicine.
The displays bring together traditional medicinal knowledge with modern computing imagery, touch-sensitive sculpture and interactive installations.
“Nobody has the time for scriptures. We have presented traditional knowledge in a modern format to intrigue people enough to want to know more,” said S. Jalaja, secretary, Department of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Naturopathy, Siddha and Homeo opathy) under the Union Ministry of Health.
The museum includes touch sensitive audiovisual display and commentary sculptures that not only make the interaction knowledgeable but also innovative. One of the many attractions is the carved lotus on a pedestal which when touched triggers an audiovisual commentary by Swami Niranjanananda, chief patron of the Bihar School of Yoga in Munger.
“Even though the presentation is in an interactive three-dimensional exploration format, the exhibits rely on scientifically-validated concepts and traditional manuscripts,” said Dr Ishwar V. Basavaraddi, Director, Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga. “The present venue for the exhibition is temporary — it’s at the Institute of Yoga till October 31 — but we hope to find permanent display for it at the National Museum,” said Jalaja, who conceptualized the project.
