India is set to celebrate the 9th Ayurveda Day on October 29, 2024, with over 150 countries joining the festivities worldwide. This year’s theme, “Ayurveda Innovations for Global Health,” underscores the global importance of Ayurveda and its potential to address modern health challenges.
The Ministry of Ayush, which leads the event, has lined up a major celebration at the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in Delhi, showcasing the progress of Ayurveda in the health sector.
Union Minister of State for Ayush, Prataprao Jadhav, expressed the significance of Ayurveda Day and how it has evolved into a global movement. He proudly highlighted the fact that over 150 countries will be participating this year.
The Minister also stressed the theme's focus on how Ayurveda contributes to global health and wellness. According to him, the ministry aims to promote Ayurveda as a strong medical system that benefits public health around the world. He pointed out that the All India Institute of Ayurveda has launched a month-long initiative across the country to support this vision.
Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, also shared the ministry’s long-term vision. He noted that Ayurveda Day offers a unique opportunity to integrate Ayurveda with contemporary science in addressing significant health issues such as non-communicable diseases, mental health challenges, antimicrobial resistance, and care for the elderly.
Kotecha added that Ayurveda is expanding its global presence, with the practice now recognized in 24 countries, and its products being exported to over 100 nations.
He also emphasised the digital initiatives under Ayush Grid, such as the Ayurgyan Scheme, Ayush Research Portal, and Namaste Portal, which aim to make Ayurveda more accessible to the public.
The 2024 celebrations are expected to attract a broad range of participants, from startups to established industry players, positioning Ayurveda at the forefront of global health innovations.
Ayurvedic professionals and experts are particularly enthusiastic about this year’s focus on innovation. Dr. Manoj Nesari, an advisor to the Ministry of Ayush and Director of the North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda and Homoeopathy (NEIAH), spoke about the importance of the theme, which emphasises the vast research conducted in Ayurveda to establish its scientific relevance in promoting health and treating diseases.
He highlighted that Ayurveda's appeal cuts across boundaries of religion, ethnicity, and geography, making it a universal healthcare system. Dr. Nesari also mentioned the enthusiasm and increasing acceptance of Ayurveda in India’s North Eastern states, where young people are increasingly drawn to the idea of establishing startups in the Ayurveda sector.
Dr. Mohan Singh, Director of Ayush in Jammu & Kashmir, echoed these sentiments, expressing excitement about this year’s theme and the expected convergence of professionals, researchers, and innovators in Ayurveda. He believes that Ayurveda Day 2024 will inspire new developments and contribute to building a healthier and more sustainable future through Ayurveda.
The celebration of Ayurveda Day coincides with Dhanvantari Jayanti, also known as Dhanteras, which holds special significance in Hindu tradition.
Since its inception in 2016, Ayurveda Day has grown into an international event, with numerous activities held across India to promote the importance of Ayurveda in health promotion and disease prevention. These activities highlight Ayurveda’s holistic approach to well-being, which is not limited to treating diseases but also focuses on maintaining overall health.
As the global community gears up for Ayurveda Day, the Ministry of Ayush, alongside professionals and Ayurveda enthusiasts, is optimistic about the event’s success.
Through collaborative efforts and the promotion of innovation, Ayurveda is expected to play an increasingly important role in addressing global health challenges.
The Ayurveda Day 2024 celebration will not only highlight India’s rich heritage in traditional medicine but also showcase Ayurveda’s modern relevance in creating sustainable health solutions for the world.
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