Creating social awareness about health, nature and farmers’ welfare is his goal. And it is this goal that drives eminent Ayurvedacharya of West Bengal, Dr Debabrata Sen, to visit villages. He recently visited Hapaniya village to promote Ayurvedic tree plantation among farmers. During the visit, Dr Sen spoke with local farmers, women and villagers. He explained in simple words that Ayurveda is not only a system of medicine but a way of healthy living.
He said that traditional knowledge can help people stay healthy and also support their livelihood. Dr Sen highlighted the need to grow Ayurvedic medicinal trees and plants in rural areas. He said that after harvesting regular crops, many farmers leave land unused. This land can be used to grow medicinal plants. These plants are in demand in the market and can help farmers earn extra income.
He also explained that Ayurvedic plants can be used by villagers for common health problems. This can reduce medical costs and increase awareness about natural healthcare. Dr Sen stressed that protecting nature and using traditional knowledge is necessary for the future of the country. To encourage farmers, Dr Sen assured full support. He promised training, supply of good quality saplings and help in finding reliable buyers. He also said that he will visit regularly to guide farmers and monitor progress. The villagers welcomed the initiative and showed interest in Ayurvedic plantation. This effort reflects Dr Debabrata Sen’s mission to spread social awareness, improve rural health and promote economic self-reliance through Ayurveda.
News and Views EPF and Pension Funds:
Meaning, Benefits, and Key Differences Sanjay Goenka Planning for retirement is one of the most important financial decisions you will make. In India, two commonly discussed retirement instruments are Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) and Pension Funds. While both aim to provide financial security in old age, they work very differently. What is EPF (Employees’ Provident Fund)? The Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) is a government-backed retirement savings scheme for salaried employees. Both employee and employer contribute 12% of basic salary plus DA every month. The amount earns compound interest and is paid as a lump sum at retirement. Key Features of EPF
• Government-backed and very safe
• Tax efficient • Partial withdrawals allowed
• Ideal for disciplined long-term savings Limitations of EPF
• Moderate returns
• Mostly locked until retirement
• Lump-sum payout requires careful planning What are Pension Funds? Pension Funds are investment products designed to provide regular income after retirement. Examples include EPS, NPS, annuity plans, and pension mutual funds. They invest in debt and equity instruments and provide monthly pension after retirement. Key Features of Pension Funds
• Regular post-retirement income
• Better inflation protection • Suitable for long retirement periods Limitations of Pension Funds
• Market-linked risks • Pension income is taxable
• Limited liquidity EPF vs Pension Funds EPF focuses on savings and provides lump-sum payout with low risk. Pension funds focus on income and provide monthly pension with moderate risk. Best Approach Using EPF for savings and pension funds for income creates a balanced retirement plan.