New Delhi: The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, graced the 7th foundation day of the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) today, emphasizing the importance of Ayurveda as one of the world’s oldest medical systems and India’s invaluable gift to global healthcare.
In her address, the President highlighted Ayurveda’s holistic approach to health, which balances the mind, body, and spirit. “Ayurveda emphasizes holistic health management while maintaining a balance between mind, body, and spirit,” said President Murmu, underscoring its enduring relevance in modern times.
President Murmu also noted the rich tradition of herbal and medicinal knowledge in tribal societies, which, over time, has been overshadowed by modern medicine. “As society embraced modernity and moved away from nature, we stopped using traditional knowledge. It became easier to get medicine from a doctor than adopt home remedies,” she stated. However, she expressed optimism that awareness of Ayurveda and natural remedies is growing, with an integrative system of medicine gaining global popularity.
Addressing the challenges faced by Ayurveda, President Murmu voiced concern over the spread of misinformation and false claims, which damage public trust and harm the reputation of this ancient medical science. “More and more qualified doctors are needed so that people do not have to go to uneducated practitioners. I am pleased to see the significant rise in Ayurveda colleges and students in recent years,” she added, expressing confidence in the future availability of qualified Ayurvedic doctors.
The President also highlighted the role of Ayurveda in environmental conservation, noting that many medicinal plants are becoming extinct due to a lack of awareness about their utility. She stressed that preserving these plants could benefit not only humans but also animals and the environment.
Murmu called for unity among practitioners of different medical systems, advocating for cooperation instead of competition. “It is good to have healthy competition, but there should be no attempt to criticize each other. The aim of all medical systems is to serve humanity by curing patients,” she said, invoking the traditional prayer “Sarve Santu Niramayah” – a wish for all to be free from diseases.
The President concluded by emphasizing the need for continuous research, improvement in the quality of medicines, and the empowerment of Ayurveda educational institutions to ensure the relevance of Ayurveda in the future. She praised the All India Institute of Ayurveda for its remarkable progress in combining traditional education with modern technology, contributing to advancements in Ayurvedic medicine, education, research, and overall healthcare.