Delhi: In the 117th episode of his monthly radio program Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spotlighted the growing global presence of Ayurveda, sharing inspiring efforts from Paraguay that highlight the traditional Indian system of medicine.
The Prime Minister noted that while the Indian community in Paraguay is relatively small, with fewer than a thousand people, Ayurveda is making a profound impact. He mentioned Erica Huber at the Indian Embassy in Paraguay, who has been offering Ayurveda consultations, attracting a growing number of locals seeking Ayurveda-based advice.
“There is a country in South America called Paraguay. The number of Indians living there would not be more than one thousand. A wonderful effort is being done in Paraguay. At the Indian Embassy in Paraguay, Erica Huber offers Ayurveda consultation. A large number of local people are reaching out to her to get Ayurveda-based advice,” said Prime Minister Modi, highlighting the success of Ayurveda beyond India’s borders.
This recognition is a testament to the Ministry of Ayush’s unwavering commitment to promoting Ayurveda as a global system of health and wellness. The Ministry has made tremendous strides in increasing Ayurveda’s footprint worldwide, and the Prime Minister’s remarks further cement the global resonance of the ancient practice.
Ministry of Ayush’s Global Outreach
Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (IC), Ministry of Ayush, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Prime Minister for his visionary leadership in promoting Ayurveda globally. “We express our heartfelt gratitude to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for his visionary leadership in promoting Ayurveda globally. The Ministry of Ayush remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing Ayurveda as a universal health solution and strengthening its global presence,” he said.
The Ministry’s global outreach efforts have been transformative:
- Global Collaborations: The Ministry has signed 24 country-level and 48 institute-level Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), driving collaborative research and education.
- Academic Chairs: Fifteen academic chairs dedicated to Ayurveda education and research have been established worldwide, further enhancing its international presence.
- Ayush Information Cells: These serve as knowledge hubs in 39 locations across 35 countries, spreading awareness about Ayurveda’s benefits.
Strategic Partnerships and Milestones
The Ministry has successfully established strategic partnerships that have expanded Ayurveda’s global reach:
- WHO Donor Agreement: The Ministry has entered a donor agreement with the World Health Organization (WHO), strengthening the international recognition of Ayurveda.
- Medicinal Plants Cooperation: The Ministry signed an MoU with Vietnam on Medicinal Plants Cooperation and a landmark Ayurveda agreement with Malaysia and Mauritius. These initiatives further India’s vision of holistic health for all.
- WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre: The establishment of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar is a significant achievement for Ayurveda’s global recognition.
Innovations and Initiatives to Boost Ayurveda
India’s efforts to promote Ayurveda have also included the introduction of several initiatives to facilitate global access to its healing properties:
- Ayush Visa: Launched to support medical tourism, the Ayush Visa aims to make India a top destination for holistic healing.
- Heal in India: This initiative supports the growing influx of international visitors seeking Ayurveda-based treatment in India.
Additionally, the 9th Ayurveda Day, celebrated on October 29, 2024, in 150 countries, was a global event underscoring Ayurveda’s growing international acceptance. Themed “Ayurveda Innovations for Global Health”, the event showcased India’s leadership in traditional medicine, presenting Ayurveda as a solution for global health challenges.
The Road Ahead for Ayurveda’s Global Acceptance
Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, spoke about the impact of the government’s initiatives in fostering global acceptance of Ayurveda. “The vision of our Prime Minister and continuous guidance and support of our Minister of State (IC), Ministry of Ayush has been pivotal in building the global acceptance of Ayush. The network of international collaborations through Ayush institutions is continuously expanding and highlights India’s leadership in traditional medicine and its relevance in global healthcare,” said Vaidya Kotecha.
As Ayurveda continues to resonate globally, India’s leadership in traditional medicine is poised to grow, reinforcing the importance of Ayurveda in maintaining holistic health worldwide. The efforts of the Ministry of Ayush, combined with the Prime Minister’s commitment, signal a bright future for Ayurveda on the world stage.
