On Dhanvantari Jayanti and the 9th Ayurveda Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a series of health initiatives worth approximately Rs 12,850 crore at the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in New Delhi. The event, graced by prominent figures including Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda and other dignitaries, highlighted the government's commitment to integrating traditional and modern healthcare practices for the nation’s holistic well-being.
Prime Minister Modi unveiled the second phase of India’s pioneering All-India Institute of Ayurveda, a Rs 258.73 crore project that includes a 150-bed Panchakarma hospital, an Ayurvedic drug manufacturing pharmacy, and facilities dedicated to sports medicine, research, and innovation. Additionally, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stones for two new Central Research Institutes in Yoga and Naturopathy in Odisha and Chhattisgarh. These projects aim to advance research in yoga and naturopathy and respond to an increasing international interest in traditional Indian wellness practices.
A major highlight of the event was the launch of four Ayush Centers of Excellence, each focusing on a specific area of health research. Located across prestigious institutions, these centers are expected to drive innovation in Ayurveda. They include the Centre of Excellence for Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders at the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru and the Centre for Ayurveda and Systems Medicine at Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi, which explores the molecular effects of Ayurvedic treatments for complex diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.
The Prime Minister also introduced “Desh Ka Prakriti Parikshan Abhiyan,” a campaign with nearly 4.7 lakh volunteers aimed at educating citizens on holistic health and promoting Ayurveda as a way of life. This nationwide initiative, led by Minister Prataprao Jadhav, seeks to underscore the value of preventive health and inspire individuals to incorporate Ayurvedic principles into their daily routines.
During his address, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the transformative potential of Ayurveda when validated by scientific research. Highlighting that the global demand for Ashwagandha could reach USD 2.5 billion by 2030, he underscored the importance of laboratory validation of traditional herbs like Ashwagandha, turmeric, and black pepper. Modi explained that such efforts could not only expand the market for these products but also enhance their credibility and applicability in global healthcare.
The Prime Minister further emphasized the role of Ayurveda in bolstering India's economy, noting that the Ayush sector had grown from USD 3 billion in 2014 to almost USD 24 billion today. The exponential growth of this sector, he stated, represents the government's resolve to make India a global hub for wellness and medical tourism.
Union Minister Prataprao Jadhav reiterated this vision, noting that awareness of Ayurveda among India’s urban and rural populations has grown to over 95% due to the government’s efforts. With over 7.5 lakh registered Ayush practitioners, the sector is poised to continue expanding in areas such as preventive cardiology, Ayurvedic orthopedics, and rehabilitation.
The All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) served as the central agency for the 9th Ayurveda Day celebrations. Under the Ministry of Ayush, AIIA organized a range of activities for the occasion, including a marathon, interactive selfie stations, webinars, and health initiatives.
