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

Over the past decade, the Ayush sector has undergone a significant transformation, largely due to 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 health practitioners. Since its inception in 2014, the Ministry of Ayush has successfully integrated Ayush into mainstream healthcare, fostering innovation, research and gaining global recognition. The ministry’s strategic focus includes public health, technology, education, globalization 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 growth of the sector, increasing public awareness and increasing demand for Ayush health systems worldwide.

Ayurveda Day is celebrated on the occasion of Dhanteras to honor Lord Dhanvantari, the deity worshiped as the physician of the gods and the god of Ayurveda. This year, Ayurveda Day will be celebrated 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. This year’s focus is on showcasing Ayurveda’s potential to improve global health through innovative practices and natural treatment methods.

Ayurveda’s strength lies in its holistic approach to health, which emphasizes prevention, health promotion and natural healing. With the growing global demand for integrative health care solutions, Ayurveda is gaining recognition as a viable and sustainable alternative. Recent advances, supported by scientific research, have increased the global reach and acceptance of Ayurvedic practices. One of Ayurveda’s most notable contributions to modern healthcare is its innovative use of herbal medicine. It is reported that more than 95% of Ayurvedic interventions are based on herbal treatments, utilizing the healing properties of nature. As scientific research continues to validate the efficacy 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, preventative healthcare solutions. Ayurveda, with its focus on holistic well-being, offers a unique approach to managing these conditions. In addition, the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance requires alternative methods of treatment, and Ayurvedic remedies, rooted in herbal medicine, present sustainable options. As climate change exacerbates health risks, Ayurveda’s focus on lifestyle management, mental health and elder care provides resilient solutions for vulnerable populations. Moreover, as societies face challenges such as nutritional disorders and mental health crises, Ayurveda’s approach to balancing body and mind becomes increasingly relevant.

Ayurveda is not a static system; continuously evolves through continuous research and innovation. Recent advances in areas such as genome sequencing and nanotechnology have revealed parallels with traditional Ayurvedic concepts such as Prakriti (body constitution) and Bhasma (herbal mineral formulations). These modern innovations help bridge the gap between traditional practices and contemporary medical care, making Ayurvedic treatments more accessible and scientifically validated.

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

Ayurveda Day 2024 celebrations will include a variety of exciting activities like creative exhibitions, Ayurveda quizzes, medical camps and Prakriti Parikshan (body constitution analysis). Initiatives like ‘Ayurveda in My Kitchen’ and ‘Ayurveda in My Vatika’ will highlight the practical application of Ayurvedic principles in everyday life.

(Writer is Secretary, Ministry of Ayush; views are personal)