New Delhi: The Ministry of Ayush is set to celebrate the 9th Ayurveda Day on October 29, 2024, with a grand event at the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in New Delhi. This year’s celebration is particularly noteworthy as it witnesses participation from over 150 countries worldwide, centered around the theme “Ayurveda Innovations for Global Health.”
Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State for Ayush (I/C), expressed his pride in the global participation for Ayurveda Day, stating, “Ayurveda Day has now become a global movement. We are proud to learn that as many as 150 countries are expected to join Ayurveda Day celebrations 2024.” He highlighted the focus of the Ministry on promoting Ayurveda as a robust system of medicine aimed at public welfare, emphasizing that the AIIA has initiated a month-long program across the country.
Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, underscored the Ministry’s vision of integrating Ayurveda with modern science to tackle critical health issues, including non-communicable diseases, mental health, and geriatric care. He remarked, “Through the Ayurveda Day celebrations, Ayush focuses on integrating Ayurveda with contemporary science.”
Kotecha also pointed out the Ministry’s latest initiatives to make Ayurvedic knowledge accessible through digital platforms under the Ayush Grid, including programs like the Ayurgyan Scheme, Ayush Research Portal, and Namaste Portal. He noted that Ayurveda is now recognized in 24 countries, with products being exported to over 100 nations.
This year’s celebrations are expected to draw significant participation from startups and the industry, positioning Ayurveda at the forefront of global health innovation. Leading Ayurveda experts shared their thoughts on the upcoming event, highlighting its focus on innovation.
Dr. Manoj Nesari, Advisor to the Ministry of Ayush and Director of the North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda and Homeopathy (NEIAH), emphasized the importance of the theme, stating, “The theme ‘Ayurveda Innovation for Global Health’ has been specifically chosen to highlight the vast research work done in Ayurveda. This also showcases Ayurveda’s relevance for healthcare across the globe.”
The enthusiasm surrounding Ayurveda Day 2024 is palpable among professionals and scholars. Dr. Mohan Singh, Director of Ayush in Jammu & Kashmir, expressed excitement about the upcoming activities, anticipating a remarkable gathering of professionals and researchers dedicated to sustainable health solutions through Ayurveda.
Dr. Sanjeev Sharma, Vice Chancellor of the National Institute of Ayurveda, praised the commitment of students and scholars preparing for the celebrations, viewing it as an opportunity to blend ancient wisdom with modern innovation.
Dr. B.J. Patagiri, Director of the Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (ITRA), noted the significance of participation from students and innovators, emphasizing that the collaboration of tradition and innovation could revolutionize global health.
The Ministry of Ayush is actively working to integrate Ayurveda into global health systems through initiatives such as the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre and the Ayushman Bharat Yojana. Additionally, the reactivated “I Support Ayurveda” Campaign aims to garner over 250 million votes in support of Ayurveda, building on last year’s successful campaign that achieved 160 million votes.
As Ayurveda Day approaches, excitement is building among the Ministry of Ayush, its partner institutions, professionals, and Ayurveda enthusiasts worldwide. This celebration not only honors the rich heritage of Ayurveda but also showcases its potential to provide sustainable health solutions in a rapidly changing world.
Ayurveda Day is celebrated annually on Dhanvantari Jayanti (Dhanteras), and since its inception in 2016, it has gained significant global recognition. This year’s festivities will culminate in a closing ceremony on October 29, 2024, featuring various events and activities nationwide to promote the importance of Ayurveda in health promotion and disease prevention.