Minister for Health Dinesh Gundu Rao on Thursday underscored the need to strengthen research in Ayurveda and build specialised expertise within the traditional system of medicine, saying it holds vital answers to many lifestyle-related health challenges of the present day.
Inaugurating the four-day Ayurveda World Summit that began here on Thursday, the Minister said Ayurveda and yoga offer a holistic approach to health that focuses on prevention and overall well-being, making it especially relevant in an era marked by stress and sedentary lifestyles.
“Ayurveda and yoga were developed thousands of years ago on a strong scientific foundation and continue to be relevant even today,” he said. Pointing to the growing burden of non-communicable diseases, Mr. Rao said that unhealthy food habits, lack of physical activity, high stress levels, and poor mental health management are key contributors. “Ayurveda directly addresses these concerns, as it is not merely a system of treatment but a way of life,” he said.
Drawing a parallel with modern medicine, the Minister said Ayurveda must also move towards formal recognition of specialised practitioners. “Just as nephrologists and other specialists are clearly identified and trusted today, Ayurveda too needs a standardised certification system to recognise specialised expertise,” he said.
Describing the summit as an important forum, Mr. Rao said it would serve as a major platform for the exchange of ideas and for shaping the future direction of Ayurveda research and practice.
Published – December 26, 2025 12:14 am IST
