Ayush Ministry Celebrates 10th Ayurveda Day at AIIA Goa

The Ministry of Ayush celebrated the 10th National Ayurveda Day at the All-India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), Goa. The celebrations marked a milestone in the Ministry’s efforts to promote Ayurveda as a holistic system of health and well-being rooted in sustainability and natural living.

Governor Ashok Gajapathi Raju highlighted the global growth of Ayurveda, noting that in less than a decade Ayurveda Day has evolved from a national observance into a global health movement, now celebrated in over 150 countries. He praised this year’s theme, “Ayurveda for People and Planet,” as timely and aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. He emphasized preserving authentic Ayurvedic knowledge while using digital platforms like the NAMASTE portal and Ayush HMIS to improve accessibility and evidence-based practice.

Raju also spoke about Goa’s potential to emerge as a global hub for Ayurveda-based wellness tourism. He commended the establishment of the Integrative Oncology Unit at AIIA Goa in collaboration with Tata Memorial Centre, aimed at integrating Ayurveda with modern oncology for holistic cancer care. He stressed the importance of preserving local medicinal plants to create jobs and strengthen the economy, while calling for scientific validation of Ayurvedic therapies and ethical promotion.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant emphasized Ayurveda’s relevance in tackling lifestyle-related disorders like obesity, diabetes, and stress. He said traditional concepts of Dinacharya (daily routine) and Ritucharya (seasonal regimen) provide sustainable models for preventive healthcare. Sawant highlighted Goa’s rich biodiversity, calling for research, conservation, and commercial cultivation of medicinal plants. He announced the signing of a tripartite MoU between the Government of Goa, Tata Memorial Centre, and AIIA Goa for an Integrative Oncology Centre, combining traditional and modern systems for holistic healing.

Union Minister of State (I/C) for Ayush Prataprao Jadhav spoke about the growing global recognition of Ayurveda as holistic healthcare. He described fixing 23rd September as the permanent date for Ayurveda Day, aligning with the autumnal equinox, as historic. He said this year’s theme reflects the Ministry’s commitment to positioning Ayurveda as a framework for planetary health and sustainability.

Jadhav highlighted the success of the “Desh ka Swasthya Parikshan Abhiyan,” launched last year, in which over 1.29 crore citizens participated in health assessments with support from 1.8 lakh volunteers. The campaign set five Guinness World Records and marked a new era of data-driven Ayurvedic research.

Union Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy Shripad Yesso Naik emphasized Ayurveda’s role in addressing non-communicable diseases, mental health issues, and environmental challenges. He praised AIIA Goa’s efforts in integrative medicine and outreach, welcoming the Integrative Oncology Unit as a model of convergence between Ayurveda and modern science. Naik stressed the need to integrate Ayurveda into primary healthcare and called for evidence-based and ethical approaches.

This year’s Ayurveda Day also saw the launch of new initiatives including the nationwide Desh ka Swasthya Parikshan health assessment campaign and the DRAVYA portal, a digital platform for Ayurvedic substances. New facilities were inaugurated at AIIA Goa, including the Integrative Oncology Unit, alongside multiple MoUs for academic exchanges, integrative oncology research, and global collaborations. 

Several publications were released, including 25 Years Journey of NMPB, Ayurveda for Sports Medicine, and Ayurveda Insight for Restful Sleep, along with technical releases on Ayurvedic research and innovations. Through new initiatives, research, and public participation, the Ministry of Ayush aims to strengthen Ayurveda as a core pillar of India’s healthcare future.