A guest lecture on “Research Study on the gurgum and its Literature Review’’ was organized by the Men Tsee Khang Sowa Rigpa Medical College and Hospital on 4th July 2025, Friday. The session aimed to enhance students’ knowledge about the gurgum and how a research study can be conducted on a specific medical plant, exploring both its traditional and modern applications. The session was graced by Dr. Dawa Tsering, MD, PhD candidate, who is currently serving as an Assistant Professor cum the administrator of Ludup Pharmacy, in the Dept. of Sowa Rigpa at CIHTS, Varanasi. Dr. Dawa has over more than two decades of experience in medicinal plant research and has published many articles so far in various journals.
Dr. Dawa Tsering began the lecture by providing an overview of his thesis on gurgum in Sowa Rigpa, He highlighted the significance of gurgum-based remedies as mentioned in the Gyueshi text and their beneficial effects in varied conditions. The lecture also covered the origin and meaning of the term gurgum, its habitat and growth as well as identification, classification and harvesting time. Dr. Dawa emphasized the importance of analysing the substitute for gurgum, together with preserving traditional knowledge and integrating it with scientific validation to promote evidence-based gurgum as a main ingredient of herbal formulation. Following the lecture, an interactive Q&A session was held, where students and faculty members posed insightful questions. Dr. Dawa responded enthusiastically, providing practical insights and encouraging students to pursue research methodology and giving guidance on literary search. The guest lecture was highly informative and appreciated by all attendees. It not only broadened the understanding of research studies on medicinal plants but also inspired students to explore other intriguing medicinal plants of Sowa-Rigpa.
The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Penpa Dhundup, Faculty and Dr. Namdol Lhamo, Vice Principal, was requested to offer a small token of appreciation to Dr. Dawa la for his wonderful session.