President of India Draupadi Murmu today honoured YanungJamoh Lego of Arunachal Pradesh with the prestigious Padma Shri award in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the field of herbal medicine and agriculture during the esteemed Civil Investiture Ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

A renowned herbalist from Arunachal Pradesh, Lego has been distinguished for her life-saving treatments and her advocacy for traditional healing practices.

Who is YanungJamoh Lego?

Born on July 9, 1963, in Sika Tode village, East Siang district, Arunachal Pradesh, Lego has been a source of hope for over 3,00,000 people suffering from life-threatening illness such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and more.

Lego’s journey began with the encouragement of her father, a recognized folk healer, who encouraged her to acquire a solid education in agriculture at Assam Agriculture University.

After completing her education, she joined the Department of Agriculture, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, in 1988 and served until her retirement in 2023.

Lego began her professional career as an Agriculture Inspector, but her true calling was in herbal medicine, which she pursued actively following a 15-year apprenticeship with her father. Her remedies, which rely on ancient knowledge and local botanicals, have not only treated but also prevented many ailments, reviving faith in traditional medical systems.

YanungJamoh Lego’S Contributions and Recognitions

Lego established the ‘Indigenous Herbal Heritage’ in 2009, a pioneering organization dedicated to the cultivation and study of therapeutic plants. Through her efforts, over 100,000 individuals have been educated on the benefits of herbal medicine and the organization plants roughly 5,000 medicinal plants each year to maintain sustainability.

Her exceptional service has previously been recognized with several accolades, including the Arunachal Pradesh State Award in 2019, the ‘SRISTI Samman Award’ in 2007, and the ‘Paramparika Vaidya Ratna’ award in 2013.

Lego’s influence in the realm of herbal medicine continues to inspire many others to explore and respect ancient healing methods. Her passion and accomplishments have established her as not only a healer, but also a visionary in the integration of traditional knowledge with modern health applications.

The Padma Shri award recognizes her decades of effort and effect, emphasizing the role of traditional medicine in current health discourse and commemorating her enormous contributions to the profession.