On October 16, 2024, the world observes World Food Day under the theme “Right to Food for a Better Life and Future.” The Ministry of Ayush marks this occasion by reinforcing its commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG-2), which seeks to eradicate hunger and improve food security. Ayurveda Aahar, a concept promoted by the Ministry, offers a holistic approach to nutrition, emphasizing not just sustenance but also the balance of body, mind, and spirit.

Union Minister of State for Ayush (I/C), Shri Pratap Rao Jhadhav, emphasized the importance of Ayurveda Aahar in today’s world. He highlighted that Ayurveda’s perspective on food goes beyond basic nutrition—it fosters inner peace and aligns individuals with nature. According to Jhadhav, World Food Day is a reminder of how a balanced diet can contribute to both personal well-being and global food security, which are key goals of sustainable development. Ayurveda Aahar, as promoted by the Ministry of Ayush, views food not just as a source of energy, but as a vital component in maintaining a healthy and harmonious life.

Ayurveda provides a cost-effective and sustainable solution to address global malnutrition and food security issues. The fundamental principle of Ayurveda, that food is the best medicine, encourages people to make informed choices about what they eat. Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, noted the significant progress made in this area with the notification of Ayurveda Aahar regulations by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) in 2021. The initiative has sparked renewed interest across various sectors, transforming the way food is understood and consumed.

The traditional Indian diet, or "Indian Thali," has been recognized globally for its nutritional and environmental benefits. A report by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) highlighted that this plant-based diet, which is rich in grains, lentils, and vegetables, significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions and natural resource use. The report suggested that if global dietary patterns mirrored India’s, only 0.84 of the Earth’s resources would be needed by 2050 to sustain food production.

Professor Anupam Srivastava of the National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA) in Jaipur praised the Ministry’s efforts, explaining that Ayurveda Aahar aligns perfectly with SDG-2, which addresses hunger, food security, and nutrition sustainability. Ayurveda Aahar is seen as an innovative response to these challenges, blending traditional knowledge with modern practices.

One of the Ministry’s key initiatives is the "Ayush Dietary Advisory for Kuposhan Mukt Bharat," which aims to improve nutritional outcomes, especially for vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. The Ministry is working with the Ministry of Women and Child Development to integrate Ayurvedic dietary principles into daily meals. This initiative presents a novel approach to combatting malnutrition and promoting public health, aligning with national efforts to eliminate hunger and nourish future generations.

By combining ancient wisdom with modern science, the Ministry of Ayush is making significant strides in addressing global hunger and enhancing health outcomes. The continued promotion of Ayurveda Aahar highlights how traditional diets can be part of sustainable food practices that not only support personal health but also help address broader environmental concerns.

As the world celebrates World Food Day 2024, the Ministry of Ayush reiterates its dedication to promoting a disease-free world through Ayurveda Aahar. By adopting these practices, societies can move toward a future where food serves as a powerful tool for health, longevity, and environmental sustainability. Through international collaboration, the Ministry of Ayush continues to advance its mission of improving nutritional outcomes globally and positioning India as a leader in sustainable food practices.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Yash Kamble/MSM)