SRINAGAR, MARCH 01: A week-long celebration marking Jan Aushadhi Diwas 2025 commenced today at Block Hazratbal, GMC Srinagar. Prof. (Dr.) S.M. Saleem Khan, Head of the Department of Community Medicine, Govt. Medical College Srinagar, along with Dr. Fara Shafi, Block Medical Officer Hazratbal, flagged off a “Heritage Walk” at Chinar Heritage Park, Naseem Bagh, within the Kashmir University Campus, Hazratbal.
The event saw active participation from the staff of SDH Hazratbal and other health facilities of Block Hazratbal. The Chinar Heritage Park, one of the oldest Mughal gardens in Kashmir, was originally built by Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1586, with over 1,200 chinar trees planted in 1686 by Shah Jahan. Currently, the park is home to around 700 chinar trees, maintained by the University of Kashmir.
During an interaction with the participants, Prof. (Dr.) S.M. Saleem Khan emphasized the cultural and historical significance of chinar trees, highlighting their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and air-purifying properties. He described the chinar tree (Platanus orientalis) as not just a symbol of Kashmir’s heritage but also a natural contributor to health and environmental well-being.
Adding a traditional touch to the event, Prof. (Dr.) S.M. Saleem Khan, Dr. Fara Shafi, and the staff members participated in Kashmiri’s traditional game “Hopscotch,” locally known as “Saz Long”, bringing a nostalgic and cheerful atmosphere to the gathering.
The week-long celebrations will continue with a mega health camp at Block Hazratbal on March 2.