TRAINING AND EDUCATION

In order to advance and preserve the traditional medical knowledge of Manipur, we will train the next generation of practitioners who wish to learn the Manipuri techniques, traditional health system and martial arts, so they can in turn help more people benefit from this knowledge.

TRAINING AND EDUCATION – GURUKUL

In the past, children in Manipur and India used to be educated in gurukuls, where they lived and studied with their teacher and other students. Their education extended to all aspects of life, from outdoor activities, physical fitness, household tasks, religious teachings as well as intellectual studies. It was a holistic method of raising well-rounded, healthy, disciplined youth. We would like to re-establish this traditional model, giving the youth of Manipur the opportunity to learn more of its rich traditional knowledge including Manipuri martial arts as well as the skills needed to excel as a well-rounded person in today’s world.

OVERVIEW

As part of both the sub-Himalayan and Indo-Burman biodiversity hotspots, Manipur has the richest reservoir of plant life in the entire subcontinent.

These plants are the raw materials for the medicines that form the basis of maibarol, the indigenous Manipuri healthcare system. Together with other crops, they also provide a key livelihood for a large segment of the local population.

However, insufficient efforts are being made to ensure the long-term availability of Manipur’s bioresources, in the face of increasing demand, population growth and destruction of habitats.

For most endangered plant species, no conservation action has been taken and there is very little material of them in gene banks. Reliable data about individual plants and their medicinal properties are also severely lacking.

This project aims to prevent Manipur’s unique plant resources from becoming extinct by identifying, conserving and studying them in a responsible and sustainable way, both in their natural environment and in the BBRC’s botanical garden and herbarium.

We are also establishing an organic farm where other high value crops will be grown using an integrated farming system based upon sustainability and the enhancement of soil fertility, which prohibits synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.

Our guiding principle for all elements of this project is to work with local people, with the long-term aim of creating wealth, providing purpose and adding value to their lives. We aim to ensure that the indigenous medicinal and culinary uses of these bioresources are not lost to future generations in Manipur.

GOALS

The conservation of medicinal plant populations in their natural wild environment, the ‘sacred groves’ of Manipur, and the sustainable collection and conservation of these bioresources within the safe confines of the BBRC’s botanical garden and herbarium.

The taxonomical categorisation of these plants (establishing their botanical identity) and the development of research, education and training programmes aimed at ensuring their long-term preservation and use. Ultimately, we will produce a database of Manipur’s medicinal and aromatic plant resources.

To reverse the deforestation that is currently blighting Manipur, the BBRC is implementing a re-forestation programme. Many people in Manipur are dependent on firewood and charcoal collected from the forests for furniture and cooking. The use of firewood in Manipur is much higher than the nationwide average. In response, BBRC is researching sustainable alternatives that will benefit the environment and the people dependant on wood for fuel.

To assist local farmers to identify high-value organic crops and produce them in a sustainable, ecologically responsible and commercially viable way. To advise local producers on cooperative marketing and route-to-market strategies.

To begin scientific testing and research of Manipur’s medicinal plants and trialling them using international standards so the plants can be developed and used in a way that benefits patients and the Manipuri growers and producers alike.

PROGRESS

Conducting field research in Manipur to identify the location, distribution and availability of the plants used in traditional Manipuri medicines and remedies.
Taking cuttings of key plants and conserving them in our temporary herbarium for use in nutritional studies and medicinal trials
Conducting an extensive international research programme, examining potential markets for organic Manipuri food products and routes to market, with a view to developing these in partnership with local farmers and agribusinesses.

BONE AND BODY CLINIC AND TRAINING CENTRE, MANIPUR

BONE AND BODY CLINIC AND TRAINING CENTRE, MANIPUR

20160318-IMG_3721-2
20160316-IMG_1566 - copy
20160318-IMG_3721-2 - copy
IMG_0862 2 - copy
20160316-IMG_1566 - copy - copy
previous arrow
next arrow

IMA TALES

“The worth of a civilization can be judged by the place given to women in the society" K.S. Bhalla

 

The women (or Ima) of Manipur play a central role in the social, cultural and political life of local communities. In ‘Ima Tales’ we will share some of the Manipuri women’s homegrown wisdom, bringing you stories about the traditional remedies, recipes and other indigenous practices that make Manipur such a distinctive place. Click here to find out more…

SUPPORT OUR WORK

DONATE

Make a one-time donation or sign-up to donate an amount each month. You can choose to support the new Manipur centre or help the entire organisation and the work we do.

GET INVOLVED

We rely on people like you to help make the BBRC’s work a success. There are lots of ways you can get involved and support us.