Mineral identification training held at Kurukshetra University
The Department of Geology at Kurukshetra University organized an academic exposure visit for postgraduate research scholars from the Department of Rasashastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana at Shri Krishna AYUSH University. This visit was part of an interdisciplinary learning initiative aimed at enhancing the scientific understanding of minerals used in Ayurvedic medicines.
A group of postgraduate researchers, accompanied by Dr. Raviraj and Dr. Giri Malla Patil, visited the Geology Department at Kurukshetra University to gain practical experience in mineral identification and analysis techniques.
Prof. A.R. Chaudhri, Chairperson of the Geology Department, briefed them on the scientific methods used for identifying and analyzing metals and minerals. Faculty members Dr. Naresh Kumar and Sarita Maan conducted interactive sessions, showcasing an extensive collection of rare mineral and rock samples and explaining their physical and chemical characteristics.
The visit helped the scholars understand the practical significance of natural minerals used in Rasashastra (the branch of Ayurveda dealing with mineral and metal-based medicines) and highlighted the importance of accurate mineral identification in the preparation of Ayurvedic formulations. During the visit, the scholars also toured the Geology Department’s museum, where they closely examined a vast collection of rare metal, mineral, and rock specimens. They realized that a sound scientific understanding of these natural resources is essential to ensure the quality, safety, and efficacy of Ayurvedic medicines.
Prof. A.R. Chaudhri explained in detail the analytical parameters used for mineral identification, such as color, streak, and fracture. He also demonstrated how petrographic examination and microscopic analysis help reveal the internal structure and mineralogical composition of samples, enabling their precise scientific identification. Prof. Kartar Singh Dhiman, Vice-Chancellor of Shri Krishna AYUSH University, stated that such academic exchanges involving diverse subjects broaden students’ perspectives and foster experiential learning by integrating traditional knowledge with modern scientific methods.
The visiting scholars described the exposure visit as highly informative and expressed hope for future academic collaboration between Shri Krishna AYUSH University and the Department of Geology at Kurukshetra University, particularly in the fields of research and development related to Ayurvedic medicines.