In a significant move aimed at transforming Ayurveda into a globally recognised and evidence-driven healthcare system, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush and Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, chaired the 27th Governing Body Meeting of the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) in New Delhi on Thursday. The meeting witnessed the launch of several research, infrastructure and digital initiatives designed to modernise Ayurvedic research while preserving the authenticity of India’s ancient medical tradition.
Addressing the gathering, Jadhav underscored the need to combine traditional wisdom with scientific validation and innovation. “Ayurveda today stands at the cusp of a transformative era, where scientific validation, innovation and global outreach must complement India’s rich traditional knowledge systems,” he said.
Major Infrastructure Projects Inaugurated
As part of the meeting, the Minister virtually inaugurated the newly established Animal House at the CCRAS-Regional Ayurveda Research Institute (RARI), Pune, along with the Staff Quarters Complex at RARI, Ranikhet. He also performed the Bhoomi Poojan for a new 50-bedded Ayurveda Hospital at RARI, Nagpur.
These projects are expected to strengthen clinical research, improve infrastructure for scientists and healthcare professionals, and enhance patient care through advanced Ayurvedic facilities. Officials believe the expanded infrastructure will create greater opportunities for high-quality research and promote evidence-based healthcare practices across the country.
CCRAS Launches New Digital Research Platforms
A major highlight of the meeting was the unveiling of CCRAS-PARAMPARA, a flagship initiative dedicated to documenting, evaluating and scientifically validating India’s Local Health Traditions, ethnomedical practices and traditional veterinary knowledge.
The initiative seeks to preserve centuries-old indigenous healthcare wisdom while generating scientific evidence that can support its wider acceptance in modern healthcare systems.
The Minister also launched the CCRAS National Research Recognitions Portal, which includes CCRAS PRAKASA, CCRAS NAVONMESA, and CCRAS PRABODH 3MT. The fully digital platform has been designed to recognise outstanding postgraduate Ayurveda research, encourage innovation and improve scientific communication within the sector.
Another important launch was Ayur-dict, CCRAS’s first Android application that integrates multiple Ayurveda dictionaries into one searchable platform. The application is expected to become a valuable resource for researchers, students, academicians and healthcare practitioners.
“Heal by Ayurveda, Heal in India”
During his address, Jadhav stressed that the future of Ayurveda lies in scientific excellence, technology and entrepreneurship. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, he said, “Heal by Ayurveda, Heal in India and Make in India” should become the guiding principle for taking Ayurveda to the global stage.
He noted that CCRAS has played a vital role in generating scientific evidence for Ayurveda and urged researchers to further strengthen efforts to make the traditional healthcare system more credible, accessible and internationally accepted.
The Minister also called for greater collaboration with international organisations and research institutions. He advocated the use of Artificial Intelligence in clinical research, data management and personalised healthcare while ensuring that the classical principles of Ayurveda remain intact.
Youth and Innovation Must Drive Ayurveda’s Future
Highlighting the role of young researchers and entrepreneurs, Jadhav said the next phase of Ayurveda’s growth must be driven by innovation, startups and industry partnerships.
Also Read: Solar Waste: The Dark Side Of Clean Energy
He proposed the creation of initiatives such as a Youth Research Fund, an Ayurveda Startup Accelerator, and a Global Ayurveda Challenge to encourage young innovators to translate research into commercially viable healthcare solutions.
According to him, a vibrant innovation ecosystem supported by research grants, mentorship and incubation facilities can help position India as a global wellness hub.
Ministry Reaffirms Commitment to Research
Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, said the Ministry remains committed to strengthening a research-driven ecosystem supported by quality infrastructure, digital innovation and scientific excellence.
“The initiatives launched today will further enhance research capacity, academic excellence and knowledge accessibility,” he said, adding that evidence-based Ayurveda is central to the Ministry’s long-term vision.
CCRAS Outlines Future Roadmap
Prof. (Vaidya) Rabinarayan Acharya, Director General of CCRAS and Member Secretary of the Governing Body, presented the Council’s achievements and future roadmap during the meeting.
He said the organisation remains committed to strengthening classical Ayurvedic knowledge through modern science and digital technologies.
“CCRAS is committed to creating a research ecosystem where classical Ayurvedic knowledge is strengthened through modern science, digital innovation and quality evidence,” Acharya stated.
He added that the newly launched initiatives would not only expand research infrastructure but also preserve India’s traditional medical knowledge and make it more accessible to researchers, practitioners and the international scientific community.
Strengthening India’s Global Ayurveda Mission
The meeting was attended by members of the CCRAS Governing Body, senior officials of the Ministry of Ayush, scientists and officers of the Council.
Members appreciated the Council’s progress and offered recommendations for further strengthening research, institutional capacity, innovation and global outreach. Discussions also focused on expanding scientific collaborations and increasing the international visibility of Indian traditional medicine.
The Governing Body reaffirmed its commitment to promoting evidence-based Ayurveda through quality research, digital transformation and institutional excellence. With the launch of new infrastructure, research recognition platforms and knowledge-preservation initiatives, CCRAS is expected to play an even larger role in advancing Ayurveda as a scientifically validated healthcare system.
The initiatives announced during the meeting mark another step in India’s efforts to position Ayurveda as a globally trusted healthcare solution, blending ancient wisdom with modern scientific research and innovation.
Click here to join our WhatsApp Channel for real-time news updates and exclusive coverage.
