NEW DELHI — In a major breakthrough for occupational health, the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) has successfully concluded its Public Health Initiative (PHI) project, titled “Stress Management by Ayurveda Intervention for Police Personnel”. Launched during the COVID-19 pandemic to support those under intense professional pressure, the project has officially reached 35,704 individuals, marking it as a benchmark for high-risk profession wellness programmes.
A Multi-Tiered Impact Strategy
According to the latest project report presented at a dissemination workshop on March 24, 2026, the initiative combined preventive awareness with targeted clinical care:
- Mass Awareness: Over 35,700 personnel were reached through awareness sessions on mental well-being.
- Health Camps: The team organized 206 specialized health camps across various units of the Delhi Police.
- Targeted Screening: A total of 7,752 personnel were screened for conditions including occupational stress, anxiety, and hypertension.
- Ayurvedic Treatment: Therapeutic interventions were provided to 1,843 personnel, featuring internal medications and traditional therapies such as Shirodhara.
Innovation in Wellness: The Digital Edge
The project, led by Principal Investigator Prof. (Dr.) Medha Kulkarni and Co-PI Prof. (Dr.) Meena Deogade, went beyond physical camps by developing a dedicated stress management mobile application. This app allows officers to access wellness resources and track their mental health status in real-time, bridging the gap between clinical visits and daily high-pressure duties.
High-Level Recognition
Speaking at the dissemination event, Mr. Atul Katiyar, IPS (Special Commissioner of Police, Welfare Division, Delhi Police), praised the “timeless wisdom” of Ayurveda in managing the intense psychological burdens faced by the force. Prof. (Vd.) Pradeep Kumar Prajapati, Director of AIIA, reiterated that mental health is the foundation of individual well-being and effective societal functioning.
Scientific Foundations
The workshop also featured expert sessions on “Stress Management through Smriti Meditation” and specialized Ayurvedic management of occupational stress, reinforcing the programme’s evidence-based approach. Supported by the Ministry of Ayush, this initiative is now being looked at as a scalable model for other high-stress sectors, including healthcare and emergency services.
