Dehradun: The 10th World Ayurveda Congress and AROGYA Expo kicked off in Dehradun on Thursday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasizing that Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, holds the potential to enhance global healthcare systems. In a message delivered at the event’s inaugural session, Modi reaffirmed the government’s dedication to promoting Ayurveda worldwide.
The Prime Minister noted that Ayurveda’s holistic approach, which focuses on providing comprehensive remedies for various health issues while emphasizing prevention, nutrition, and mental health, positions it as a valuable tool for improving global healthcare.
Modi expressed confidence that the four-day event would accelerate Ayurveda’s global recognition and urged delegates to collaborate on creating a new “blueprint” for its promotion.
The event is hosting over 5,500 delegates, including about 350 international participants from 54 countries.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, addressing the gathering, highlighted that the state government is working on implementing India’s “first” yoga policy. He believes this initiative will play a key role in a healthcare revolution by integrating Ayurveda and yoga on a larger scale.
Dhami also described Uttarakhand as the “land of Ayurveda and AYUSH,” due to its rich herbal heritage, and pointed out that it is the first Himalayan state to host the event.
The Chief Minister expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for bringing the event to Dehradun, noting the global recognition of Ayurveda, as evidenced by the participation of representatives from over 50 countries, nearly 6,000 experts, and more than 250 stalls at the expo.
Dhami emphasized that the conference will create new opportunities for cooperation, business, and knowledge sharing, and will promote Ayurveda research. He also mentioned that the state has requested the Union Ministry of AYUSH to establish an All India Institute of Ayurveda in Uttarakhand, which would be a significant step in Ayurveda education and research.
Additionally, Dhami outlined various initiatives to promote Ayurveda in the state, including 300 AYUSH-based ‘Ayushman Arogya Kendras’ and over 70 AYUSH experts offering consultations through the e-Sanjeevani portal. The government is also establishing 50-bed AYUSH hospitals in each district and creating model AYUSH villages for the cultivation of Ayurvedic herbs.
The state has implemented an ‘Ayush Policy’ to boost AYUSH manufacturing, wellness, education, research, and medicinal plant production. Dhami revealed plans to launch AYUSH tele-consultations and establish 50 new yoga and wellness centers in the coming years. He also encouraged experts to promote the English names of Ayurvedic herbs to help expand their global market reach.
Union Minister of State for AYUSH (Independent Charge) Prataprao Jadhav noted that AYUSH product production has increased eight-fold over the past decade. He also highlighted that AYUSH and herbal products are now exported to over 150 countries.
Jadhav added that Ayurveda is evolving with the integration of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning technologies. He mentioned the central government’s efforts to set up AYUSH medicine centers at district, tehsil, and village levels, where all Ayurvedic medicines would be available under one roof. The first such center has been established at the All India Institute of Ayurveda in Delhi.
Jadhav concluded by saying that the World Ayurveda Congress represents a convergence of new ideas, ancient culture, and innovation.
