Mumbai: The Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, celebrated the exceptional contributions to traditional Indian medicine by conferring the prestigious National Dhanwantari Ayurveda Awards on three distinguished practitioners. The awards ceremony, held in Mumbai, was graced by Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (IC) for the Ministry of Ayush and Minister of State for the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, who presented the awards to the honorees.
This year’s recipients of the esteemed award were Vaidya Tara Chand Sharma, a renowned Nadi Vaidya and author; Vaidya Maya Ram Uniyal, a distinguished scholar of Dravyaguna Vigyana with over six decades of service; and Vaidya Sameer Govind Jamadagni, founder of the Vishwa Vyakhyanmala national conference. Each recipient was presented with a citation, a trophy featuring the Statue of Lord Dhanwantari, and a cash prize of ₹5 lakh.
Speaking at the event, Prataprao Jadhav extended his heartfelt congratulations to the awardees, emphasizing India’s global contribution to healthcare. “The National Dhanwantari Ayurveda Awards highlight India’s immense role in the global healthcare landscape. These visionaries have tirelessly worked to promote Ayurveda worldwide, perfectly aligning with our mission to integrate ancient wisdom with modern healthcare,” said Jadhav.
Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, praised the awardees for modernizing Ayurveda while preserving its authentic essence. “Through decades of innovation and research, these practitioners have not only kept Ayurveda’s roots intact but have also adapted it to address contemporary health challenges,” he said.
The first award recipient, Vaidya Tara Chand Sharma, is known for his mastery in Nadi Vaidya (pulse diagnosis). He has contributed significantly to Ayurveda’s educational outreach, authoring insightful books that have inspired new generations of practitioners. His recognition as a key figure in Ayurveda has helped bring new perspectives to the ancient system of medicine.
Vaidya Maya Ram Uniyal, based in Uttar Pradesh, has spent over six decades contributing to Dravyaguna Vigyana (study of medicinal plants). His work has bridged the gap between traditional knowledge and modern scientific research. Recognized globally for his efforts, Vaidya Uniyal’s writings and work have cemented his place as a global ambassador for Ayurveda.
Vaidya Sameer Govind Jamadagni, with more than four decades of service, founded the Vishwa Vyakhyanmala conference and Vishwa Ayurveda Prabodhini. His initiatives have significantly influenced Ayurveda education and have been central to creating platforms for global dialogue about the relevance of Ayurveda in contemporary healthcare.
The National Dhanwantari Ayurveda Awards were established by the Ministry of Ayush to honor individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the field of Ayurveda. Since its inception, the awards have become a symbol of excellence, celebrating the practitioners, researchers, and educators who have pushed the boundaries of Ayurveda’s reach—from local communities to the global stage.
The award ceremony underscored India’s continued commitment to making Ayurveda an integral part of global healthcare. The awards not only recognize the achievements of individuals but also reinforce the importance of preserving traditional knowledge while embracing the future possibilities of healthcare.
As the National Dhanwantari Ayurveda Awards continue to evolve, they inspire future generations to embrace Ayurveda’s holistic health practices. The ceremony highlighted the deep connection between India’s rich medical heritage and its modern-day healthcare solutions, ensuring that the wisdom of the past will play an essential role in shaping the future of health and wellness worldwide.
