On October 9, 2024, President Droupadi Murmu attended the 7th foundation day celebrations of the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in New Delhi, where she lauded Ayurveda as one of the world’s oldest medical systems and a priceless gift from India. She emphasized Ayurveda’s unique approach to health management, which involves balancing the mind, body, and spirit for overall well-being.

The President highlighted India’s long-standing tradition of using plants and herbs for medicinal purposes. She noted that tribal societies, in particular, have a rich history of herbal knowledge, but as society modernized and moved away from nature, much of that wisdom was lost. With modern medicine becoming more accessible, traditional remedies fell out of favor. However, Murmu expressed optimism, noting that public awareness of Ayurveda is on the rise, as people increasingly recognize the value of these ancient practices.

She pointed to the global rise of Integrative Medicine, where different medical systems work together to offer holistic healthcare. Complementary systems are becoming more widely accepted, and Ayurveda is gaining prominence in this evolving healthcare landscape.

While Ayurveda enjoys strong generational trust, President Murmu voiced concerns about individuals who misuse this trust for profit by spreading misinformation or making false claims. This not only affects people’s health and finances but also damages Ayurveda’s reputation. To combat this, she emphasized the need for more qualified Ayurvedic doctors, underscoring the importance of proper education in the field. She praised the significant increase in Ayurveda colleges and students in recent years and expressed confidence that the availability of well-trained Ayurvedic practitioners will continue to grow.

Murmu also highlighted Ayurveda’s potential beyond human health, noting its benefits for animals and the environment. She expressed concern that many medicinal plants are nearing extinction due to a lack of awareness about their value. With greater understanding of their importance, conservation efforts can be enhanced, contributing to a healthier environment.

The President stressed the need for cooperation between different medical systems. Healthy competition is welcome, but it is crucial that practitioners avoid criticizing one another. The ultimate goal, she said, is the same for all systems—to improve patient health. In that spirit, she invoked the Sanskrit prayer “Sarve Santu Niramayah” (May all be free from disease).

Murmu also called for a focus on research and continuous improvement in the quality of Ayurvedic medicines to ensure the system’s relevance in the modern world. She praised the AIIA for blending traditional Ayurvedic education with modern technology, making significant contributions to healthcare and research in a short time.

 (Input From Various Sources)

(Rehash/Ankur Deka)