A collaborative meeting was held at the National Institute of Siddha (NIS), Chennai, India, on 4 June 2026. The programme was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. G. Senthilvel, Director, National Institute of Siddha, and was graced by the presence of Senior Prof. Thirunavukkarasu Velnampy, Vice Chancellor of the University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka, as the Chief Guest.
Prior to the meeting, the Vice Chancellor visited the Outpatient Department (OPD), inpatient facilities, herbal garden, pharmacy, laboratory, and other key premises of the National Institute of Siddha. During the visit, he was briefed on the clinical services, academic programmes, research activities, and infrastructure facilities of the institute. The visit provided an opportunity to observe the integration of Siddha healthcare services, education, and research activities undertaken by NIS.
The meeting was attended by committee members and representatives from both institutions, including Prof. Dr. D. J. Christian, Head of the Department of Noi Nadal, Prof. Dr. P. Shanmugapriya, Department of Nanju Maruthuvam, Mr. Michael Joseph, Purchase Manager, and the Sri Lankan Medical Officers, Dr. V. Vanitha and Dr. L. Suthajanani, who are currently pursuing their third-year postgraduate studies at NIS.
The discussions focused on strengthening academic, research, and institutional collaboration between the National Institute of Siddha and the University of Jaffna, particularly following previous online deliberations regarding the proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
Key Discussions and Outcomes
1. A comprehensive introduction was provided on the infrastructure, academic programmes, research activities, and healthcare services offered by the National Institute of Siddha.
2. Discussions were held on organizing joint academic activities, including international conferences, workshops, seminars, and academic exchange programmes for staff and students.
3. The proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka, and the National Institute of Siddha, India, was reviewed and discussed in detail with the objective of fostering long-term academic and research collaboration.
4. Potential areas for future collaboration under the MoU, including education, research, clinical training, and institutional development, were identified and explored.
5. Opportunities for collaboration in the promotion, standardization, development, and commercialization of Siddha drug preparations were discussed.
6. The establishment of a medicinal herbal garden in the Kilinochchi District of Sri Lanka was proposed. NIS expressed its willingness to provide technical guidance and share its model framework for the development and maintenance of the herbal garden.
7. Prospects for collaborative preclinical and clinical research projects were explored, with emphasis on evidence-based Siddha medicine and interdisciplinary research initiatives.
8. The establishment of a Varma Centre in Sri Lanka was proposed in collaboration with experts from India, with the aim of promoting Varma therapy, professional training, clinical services, and research activities.
The meeting concluded with a strong commitment from both institutions to enhance academic, research, and healthcare collaborations for the advancement of Siddha medicine. The visit of the Vice Chancellor and the subsequent discussions marked an important step toward establishing a sustainable partnership between the University of Jaffna and the National Institute of Siddha, paving the way for future collaborative initiatives in education, research, clinical practice, and institutional development.
