Ayurveda has evolved into a global health movement, says Goa Governor at 10th National Ayurveda Day

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

NEW DELHI, SEPTEMBER 23, 2025

“Ayurveda Day has, in less than a decade, grown from a national observance into a global health movement, now celebrated in more than 150 countries,” said Goa Governor Ashok Gajapathi Raju as the Ministry of Ayush marked the 10th National Ayurveda Day at the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), Goa.

The event was attended by dignitaries including Chief Minister of Goa Dr. Pramod Sawant, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush Prataprao Jadhav, and Union Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy Shripad Yesso Naik.

This year’s theme, “Ayurveda for People and Planet,” was hailed by the Governor as timely and aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. He emphasized the need to preserve the authenticity of Ayurvedic knowledge while embracing digital innovations like the NAMASTE portal and Ayush HMIS. Highlighting Goa’s potential to become a hub for Ayurveda-based wellness tourism, he also commended the launch of the Integrative Oncology Unit at AIIA Goa, set up in collaboration with Tata Memorial Centre, and urged for stronger scientific validation of therapies and conservation of medicinal plants.

Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant underlined the relevance of Ayurveda in addressing lifestyle disorders such as obesity, diabetes, and stress. He pointed to age-old practices like Dinacharya (daily routine) and Ritucharya (seasonal regimen) as sustainable preventive healthcare models. Stressing on the biodiversity of the Western Ghats and coastal ecosystems, he announced a tripartite MoU between the Government of Goa, Tata Memorial Centre, and AIIA Goa for setting up an Integrative Oncology Centre, which will combine modern and traditional systems for holistic cancer care.

Union Ayush Minister Prataprao Jadhav described fixing September 23 as the permanent date for Ayurveda Day — aligned with the autumnal equinox — as historic. He highlighted the success of last year’s “Desh ka Swasthya Parikshan Abhiyan”, where more than 1.29 crore citizens underwent Ayurvedic health assessments with the support of 1.8 lakh volunteers, creating five Guinness World Records. According to him, such initiatives are paving the way for data-driven Ayurvedic research and developing predictive, preventive, and personalized solutions.

Union Minister Shripad Yesso Naik stressed Ayurveda’s growing relevance amid rising global health and environmental challenges. He noted that its emphasis on preventive care, natural remedies, and sustainable living aligns with global concerns about non-communicable diseases and ecological balance. He welcomed Goa’s initiatives in integrative medicine, especially the oncology collaboration with Tata Memorial Centre, and urged researchers and practitioners to adopt an evidence-based approach while supporting government campaigns like Swachhata Hi Sewa and Swasth Nari Sashakt Pariwar Abhiyan.

The celebrations saw the unveiling of the DRAVYA portal for digitized Ayurvedic substances, the launch of this year’s Desh ka Swasthya Parikshan campaign, and the inauguration of several new facilities at AIIA Goa. MoUs were also signed for academic collaborations, global partnerships, and research in integrative oncology. The Ran-Bhaji Utsav showcased the nutritional value of traditional forest vegetables, while the prestigious National Dhanwantari Ayurveda Awards 2025 were conferred upon Prof. Bamwari Lal Gaur, Vd. Neelakanthan Mooss E.T., and Vd. Bhavana Prasher.

Publications released during the event included 25 Years Journey of NMPB, Ayurveda for Sports Medicine, and Ayurveda Insight for Restful Sleep. The gathering was attended by eminent Ayurvedic scholars, senior officials from the Ministry of Ayush, representatives of WHO, and other dignitaries, reaffirming India’s leadership in advancing Ayurveda globally.