Sikkim Governor Ganga Prasad today inaugurated the National Workshop on Sowa-Rigpa at Manan Kendra, Gangtok in the presence of Union Minister for Ayush Sarbananda Sonowal, Chief Minister P. S. Tamang and Minister of State for Ayush Dr. Mahendrabhai Munjapara. Sowa-Rigpa is one of the oldest surviving medical traditions of the world with a history of more than 2,500 years, primarily practiced in the Himalayan region.<br />'' <br />'' Speaking on the occasion, the Sikkim Governor credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for popularising and rejuvenating ancient medicinal practices of India and taking them to the global stage, citing the example of establishment of the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in Gujarat.<br />'' <br />'' Union Minister for Ayush Sarbananda Sonowal said, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts over the last eight years have given strength to the development of northeastern states. He highlighted the Central Government's commitment to modernize and develop traditional practices such as Sowa-Rigpa. He assured the establishment of a 30-bedded Sowa-Rigpa Hospital and the International Yoga and Naturopathy College in Sikkim to promote medical tourism in addition to setting up Yoga Wellness Centres at the GPU level. He added that establishing an Ayurveda Medical College in Sikkim will also be considered under the satellite institute programme. The Minister virtually inaugurated the Sowa-Rigpa institute building at Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, Gangtok on the occasion.<br />'' <br />'' Mr Sonowal also said that establishment of a Central Research Council for Sowa-Rigpa will also be explored. Sikkim Chief Minister P. S. Tamang thanked the Ayush Ministry for supporting Sowa-Rigpa.<br />''<br />''AIR correspondent reports that the workshop organised by the National Institute of Sowa-Rigpa, Leh in collaboration with the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, Gangtok is aimed at preserving and promoting the Sowa-Rigpa system of medicine and provide a platform to scholars, practitioners, researchers and students to carry forward the legacy of the medical system for standardisation. Earlier in the morning, Union Minister for AYUSH Sarbananda Sonowal, Sikkim Chief Minister P.S. Tamang and Minister of State for AYUSH Dr. Mahendrabhai Munjapara led Yoga Utsav at Gangtok's Enchey Monastery as part of the countdown to the International Day of Yoga. Speaking after the event, Mr Sonowal said that Yoga has given a tremendous fillip to India's stature on the global stage. Mr Sonowal informed that around 25 crore people are expected to take part in this year's International Day of Yoga celebration.