By Radhika Nagrath
To commemorate the 10th Ayurveda Day on Tuesday, the Ministry of AYUSH is mulling over a grand nationwide campaign with awareness drives, wellness camps, and innovative initiatives aimed at bringing Ayurveda to every doorstep. Ayurveda Day is celebrated on Dhanvantari Jayanti, commemorating the mythological emergence of Lord Dhanvantari during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean). Revered as the god of health and the father of Ayurveda, Dhanvantari is believed to have gifted humanity the knowledge of this divine science.
A Call to Embrace Ayurveda
Ayurveda Day 2025 is an invitation to embrace a lifestyle that nurtures both the personal health and the planetary well-being by adopting simple practices like mindful eating, regular exercise, and respect for nature. As the world grapples with environmental crises and lifestyle diseases, Ayurveda’s timeless wisdom offers a sustainable path forward.
Dr Rajeev Kurele, Associate Professor, Uttarakhand Ayurved University, Dehradun, and advisor to the ASU Drug Licensing Panel, Govt of Uttarakhand, says, “This Ayurveda Day, let us take the opportunity to honour our ancient heritage, adopt Ayurveda’s principles, and work together to create a healthier, greener planet. After all, as Ayurveda teaches us, the health of the individual and the health of the Earth are inseparable.”
Ayurveda in the Digital Age
Recognising the power of digital platforms in reaching the younger generation, the AYUSH Ministry is leveraging social media to amplify Ayurveda’s message. Platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook will buzz with content under hashtags like AyurvedaDay 2025. Short videos, infographics, and tips on incorporating Ayurveda into daily life will flood these platforms, making the science relatable and accessible. Additionally, YouTube webinars featuring Ayurvedic experts, podcasts, and interactive campaigns like the “My Ayurveda Routine Challenge” will inspire people to share their experiences of adopting Ayurvedic practices. These initiatives aim not only to educate but also to counter misinformation and misleading advertisements about Ayurveda, ensuring that authentic knowledge reaches the masses.
Ayurveda and the Planet: A Symbiotic Relationship
The theme Ayurveda for People and Planet is a call to action, emphasising the interconnectedness of human health and environmental sustainability. By adopting natural lifestyles, reducing reliance on chemicals, and preserving medicinal plants, we can protect both ourselves and the Earth.
Ayurvedic practices like using biodegradable herbal products or growing kitchen gardens with medicinal herbs reduce environmental strain. Similarly, emphasising organic farming and sustainable sourcing of herbs aligns with Ayurveda’s ethos of living in harmony with nature. Programmes like the Adopt-a-Plant campaign not only promote greenery but also reconnect people with the Earth’s healing resources.
Global Relevance in a Modern World
Ayurveda’s relevance is not confined to India. Across the globe, from the wellness centres of California to the yoga retreats of Bali, Ayurveda is gaining traction as a sustainable, holistic approach to health. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognised the value of traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda in complementing modern healthcare. In 2022, WHO established the Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in Gujarat, India, a testament to Ayurveda’s growing global footprint.
Scientific research is also validating Ayurvedic principles. Studies have shown that herbs like ashwagandha can reduce stress, while practices like Panchakarma (detoxification) can improve metabolic health. These findings bridge the gap between ancient wisdom and modern science, making Ayurveda a credible solution for today’s health challenges.
The Road Ahead: Ayurveda’s Future
Dr Rajeev Kurele says, “As we approach Ayurveda Day 2025, the focus is not just on celebration but on integration. The AYUSH Ministry’s efforts to mainstream Ayurveda through education, research, and policy are paving the way for its inclusion in public health systems. The rise of Ayurvedic startups, wellness tourism, and digital health platforms further signals a bright future.” However, challenges remain, he adds. “Standardising Ayurvedic products, ensuring quality control, and combating misinformation are critical to sustaining its credibility. “
(Radhika Nagrath is Manager at Divya Pharmacy and is Joint Secretary with Chinmaya Education Society. She is a social activist.)
