From 13th to 15th July 2026, thirty-six students of Batch 2023 from Rohilkhand Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital, Bareilly embarked on an enriching educational tour across Haridwar and Dehradun. Organized by the Departments of Dravya Guna, Agad Tantra Evum Vidhivaidyak, and Ras Shastra & Bhaishajya Kalpana, the program aimed to bridge classroom learning with real-world applications in Ayurvedic research, conservation, and forensic science. Guided by Dr. Shimi Ben C.J. and Dr. Devraj Singh Panwar, the journey proved both academically stimulating and deeply inspiring.
Day 1: Patanjali Research Institute & Rishikul Ayurvedic College, Haridwar
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Patanjali Research Institute (PRI) & PBIASS The tour began at PRI’s expansive 7-acre medicinal plant garden, where Dr. Udai Bhan Prajapati introduced students to herbs such as Tulsi, Ashwagandha, Brahmi, and Shatavari. Students learned about plant identification, Rasa-Veerya, cultivation, and therapeutic applications. In the institute’s laboratories, they observed how classical Ayurvedic knowledge integrates with modern disciplines like pharmacognosy, phytochemistry, and drug standardization. Key takeaway: Evidence-based research transforms traditional formulations into standardized healthcare products.
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Rishikul Government P.G. Ayurvedic College Welcomed by Prof. Dr. Anoop Kumar Gakkhar, students explored departmental museums and herbal gardens. In the Agad Tantra Lab, they examined specimens of Jangam and Sthavar Visha, injury models, and adulteration samples, gaining hands-on insights into toxicology and medico-legal Ayurveda. The Ras Shastra Lab showcased pharmaceutical procedures for Ayurvedic drug preparation. Key takeaway: Practical understanding of plant toxicity, drug adulteration, and Ayurvedic pharmaceutics.
Day 2: Snake Park, Dehradun
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Snake Park A specialized visit for Agad Tantra students, the Snake Park offered direct exposure to venomous and non-venomous snake identification, the effects of Sarpavisha, and clinical management of snakebites. Conservation aspects were also emphasized, linking classical Jangam Visha concepts with modern toxicology. Key takeaway: The urgency of early medical intervention and scientific study of venoms.
Day 3: Forensic Science Laboratory & Forest Research Institute, Dehradun
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) Students visited divisions of General Chemistry, Narcotics, and Toxicology, where experts explained how biological samples are analyzed to detect poisons, drugs, and alcohol in medico-legal cases. Key takeaway: The critical role of scientific evidence in criminal justice and poisoning investigations.
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Forest Research Institute (FRI) The journey concluded at FRI, one of India’s premier forestry institutes. Students explored museums on Forestry, Timber, Non-Wood Forest Products, Pathology, and Entomology, along with the Botanical Garden. They studied forest biodiversity, medicinal plant conservation, and forest-based raw materials used in Ayurvedic formulations. Key takeaway: Environmental conservation is inseparable from the future of herbal medicine.
Overall Learning Outcomes
This 3-day educational tour enabled students to:
Identify and understand medicinal and poisonous plants in their natural habitats.
Correlate classical Ayurvedic concepts with modern research and forensic science.
Gain exposure to drug standardization, toxicology, and pharmaceutical practices.
Appreciate the ecological and economic importance of medicinal flora.
We extend heartfelt gratitude to Prof. Dr. Girish KJ, Prof. Ramakant Marade, Dr. Rajesh Mishra, and the faculty at PRI, Rishikul, FRI, FSL, and Snake Park for their invaluable support.
For Batch 2023, this journey was more than an academic excursion — it was a milestone experience, reinforcing their responsibility to preserve India’s traditional medicinal wisdom while advancing it through scientific research and evidence-based practice.
