Nagpur/ Delhi : HL September 23, 2026
The 11th Ayurveda Day was celebrated across India and several parts of the world, with the grand national celebration held in Nagpur, Maharashtra. This year’s theme, “Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow” (स्वस्थ भविष्य के लिए आयुर्वेद), focused on strengthening Ayurveda through scientific evidence, research, innovation, quality standards and preventive healthcare.
The national programme brought together Ayurveda practitioners, researchers, scientists, academics, institutions and other stakeholders to discuss the evolving role of Ayurveda in healthcare and public health.
PM Modi Highlights Ayurveda’s Journey from Tradition to Innovation
A message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi was read out during the programme. The Prime Minister highlighted the journey of Ayurveda from traditional knowledge towards evidence, research and innovation, noting its potential contribution to the health and wellbeing of future generations.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the growing global recognition of Ayurveda and other Ayush systems, including the Ayush Visa facility for foreign nationals seeking Ayush-based treatment in India.
Prataprao Jadhav Calls for Healthy Lifestyle and Preventive Healthcare
The celebration was virtually inaugurated by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush and Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Shri Prataprao Jadhav.
Addressing the programme, Jadhav emphasised the importance of preventive healthcare and healthy living. He said: “स्वास्थ्य का पहला केंद्र अस्पताल नहीं, हमारा घर है। स्वास्थ्य का पहला आधार दवा नहीं, हमारी जीवनशैली है।”
Referring to the Ayurvedic principle “स्वस्थस्य स्वास्थ्य रक्षणम्, आतुरस्य विकार प्रशमनम्”, he said Ayurveda places emphasis not only on treatment but also on preserving health.
Jadhav also highlighted developments such as the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar, the recognition of ITRA Jamnagar as an Institute of National Importance, and the inclusion of Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani in the WHO ICD-11 classification.
Focus on Evidence-Based Ayurveda
Ayush Secretary Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha stressed the importance of connecting Ayurveda’s traditional knowledge with scientific evidence, innovation and public health outcomes.
He highlighted efforts related to research, quality, safety and standardisation, including more than 43,000 research publications on the Ayush Research Portal, over 200 BIS standards, and the Ayush Quality Mark.
According to the Ministry, these initiatives are aimed at strengthening the scientific foundation of Ayush systems and enhancing their relevance in India and globally.
Key Reports and Digital Initiatives Launched
Several important initiatives and publications were launched during the 11th Ayurveda Day celebrations, including:
Safety Dossiers on Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris) and Chandrasura (Lepidium sativum)
Standard Treatment Guidelines on skin disorders
First-ever Ayush Services Sector Report
Ayush Vision 2030 report
Status Report on Ayush-related Inventions in India
CCRAS–AGNI Assessment Scale Web Portal
The initiatives are intended to strengthen documentation, research, clinical guidance, innovation and the systematic translation of Ayurveda knowledge into healthcare practice.
Scientific Sessions Discuss Ayurveda’s Future Role
Two scientific sessions were organised during the programme.
The first session, “Shashwatam to Vishwas – Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow and the Road to 2047,” examined the future trajectory of Ayurveda, evidence generation and its contribution to India’s broader health vision.
The second session, “Integrating Therapies is needed to reduce NCD Burden by 2027,” focused on integrated therapeutic approaches for addressing the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
The sessions featured experts including Dr. G. Geethakrishnan Pillai, Unit Head, WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre, Jamnagar, and Dr. Shiv Kumar Sarin, Director, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi.
Ayurveda Quality Mark Certifications Presented
The programme also witnessed the presentation of Ayush Quality Mark Certification to four eligible industries by the Secretary, Ministry of Ayush. The certification reflects the emphasis being placed on quality and standardisation across the Ayush sector.
A National Medicinal Plants Exhibition was also organised at the venue, with stalls by national institutions under the Ministry of Ayush. The exhibition attracted visitors and participants during the celebrations.
The 11th Ayurveda Day programme in Nagpur highlighted the expanding focus on research, evidence, innovation, safety, standardisation and preventive healthcare, while showcasing initiatives aimed at strengthening Ayurveda’s role in India’s evolving healthcare landscape.
Ayurveda Day Celebrated at Central Ayurveda Research Institute, New Delhi
The Central Ayurveda Research Institute (CARI), New Delhi, celebrated the 11th Ayurveda Day with a series of activities aimed at promoting awareness about Ayurveda, healthy lifestyle practices and preventive healthcare. The programme began with Dhanwantri Poojan, performed by Dr. Hemant Panigrahi, Institute In-charge, in the presence of officers and officials. A ‘Run for Ayurveda’ was organised with participation from institute staff and patients, while an Ayurveda Day lecture highlighted Ayurvedic principles, healthy living, disease prevention and the relevance of Ayurveda in contemporary healthcare. Medicinal plants were also distributed among patients to raise awareness about their importance, conservation and appropriate use. A press conference was organised to brief media representatives about the celebrations and their objectives. The programme was coordinated by Dr. Shweta Mata, Research Officer (Ay.), and Dr. Ashima Jain, Research Officer (Path.), with active participation from officers and officials of the Institute.
