This year’s celebration aims to highlight the transformative potential of Ayurveda in addressing modern health challenges

Over the last decade, the Ayush sector has undergone a significant transformation, largely due to the initiatives led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This revolution in traditional Indian medicine has created new opportunities for various stakeholders, including industry professionals, traders, and healthcare practitioners. Since its establishment in 2014, the Ministry of Ayush has successfully integrated Ayush into mainstream healthcare, driving innovation, research, and gaining global recognition. The ministry’s strategic focus encompasses public health, technology, education, globalisation, and quality control, ensuring that Ayush products and services are safe and of high quality.

This comprehensive approach aligns with the goals of universal health coverage and sustainability, contributing to the sector’s growth, increased public awareness, and a rising demand for Ayush healthcare systems worldwide.

Ayurveda Day is celebrated on the occasion of Dhanteras to honor Lord Dhanvantari, the deity revered as the physician of the gods and the God of Ayurveda. This year, Ayurveda Day will be observed on October 29, 2024, with a renewed focus on the theme “Ayurveda Innovations for Global Health.” Since the Ministry of Ayush initiated Ayurveda Day in 2016, the event has expanded into a global celebration. The emphasis this year is on showcasing Ayurveda’s potential to improve global health through innovative practices and natural treatment methods.

Ayurveda’s core strength lies in its holistic approach to health, which emphasizes prevention, health promotion, and natural healing. With the growing global demand for integrative healthcare solutions, Ayurveda is gaining recognition as a viable and sustainable alternative. Recent advancements, supported by scientific research, have increased the global reach and acceptance of Ayurvedic practices. One of the most notable contributions of Ayurveda to modern healthcare is the innovative use of herbal medicine. It is reported that over 95% of Ayurvedic interventions are based on herbal treatments, utilizing the healing properties of nature. As scientific research continues to validate the effectiveness of Ayurvedic herbs and therapies, the demand for these natural solutions is rapidly increasing worldwide.

The rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, and cancer has highlighted the need for natural, preventive healthcare solutions. Ayurveda, with its focus on holistic well-being, offers a unique approach to managing these conditions. Additionally, the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance requires alternative treatment methods, and Ayurvedic remedies, rooted in herbal medicine, present sustainable options. As climate change exacerbates health risks, Ayurveda’s emphasis on lifestyle management, mental health, and care for the elderly provides resilient solutions for vulnerable populations. Moreover, as societies face challenges like nutritional disorders and mental health crises, Ayurveda’s approach to balancing the body and mind becomes increasingly relevant.

Ayurveda is not a static system; it evolves continually through ongoing research and innovation. Recent advancements in fields such as genome sequencing and nanotechnology have revealed parallels with traditional Ayurvedic concepts like Prakriti (body constitution) and Bhasma (herbal-mineral formulations). These modern innovations help bridge the gap between traditional practices and contemporary healthcare, making Ayurvedic treatments more accessible and scientifically validated.

Ayurveda as a proactive health strategy that can boost immunity, mental clarity, and overall well-being. The alignment of Ayurvedic innovations with the SDGs and Universal Health Coverage (UHC) underscores its potential to provide accessible, affordable, and inclusive healthcare. The 2024 Ayurveda Day will mark several important milestones that reflect the growth and integration of Ayurveda into mainstream healthcare. The Ministry of Ayush is accelerating this progress through the construction of Phase II of the All India Institute of Ayurveda in New Delhi and the establishment of six new Centers of Excellence to promote innovation and research in traditional medicine. Plans to develop the Central Research Institute of Yoga and Naturopathy (CRIYN) in Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Andhra Pradesh aim to enhance the promotion of holistic health practices.

The celebrations for Ayurveda Day 2024 will include a variety of engaging activities, such as creative exhibitions, Ayurveda quizzes, medical camps, and Prakriti Parikshan (body constitution analysis). Initiatives like “Ayurveda in My Kitchen” and “Ayurveda in My Vatika” will emphasise the practical application of Ayurvedic principles in daily life.

(The writer is Secretary Ministry of Ayush; views are personal)