The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush and Union Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, has called for a stronger connection between India’s traditional Ayurvedic knowledge and the healthcare needs of the future. Addressing the Curtain Raiser Press Conference for the 11th Ayurveda Day 2026 at the National Media Centre in New Delhi, Jadhav said Ayurveda should move beyond heritage celebration and contribute meaningfully to preventive healthcare, wellness, research and community wellbeing.
The main celebrations of Ayurveda Day 2026 will take place in Nagpur, Maharashtra, on September 23, under the theme “Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow” — “स्वस्थ भविष्य के लिए आयुर्वेद”. The theme reflects the government’s effort to link India’s rich Ayurvedic tradition with the changing health requirements of the future.
Jadhav Calls for a Future-Ready Ayurveda
Speaking at the event, Jadhav highlighted the growing global emphasis on preventive healthcare, healthy lifestyles, nutrition, wellness and holistic approaches to health. He said India possesses a deep tradition and extensive experience in many of these areas through its systems of traditional medicine.
“Ayurveda Day is not merely an occasion to celebrate India’s heritage,” Jadhav said, stressing that the annual observance should serve a larger purpose by connecting traditional knowledge with the healthcare challenges of tomorrow.
He said healthcare should not remain restricted to diagnosing and treating diseases. Instead, it should encourage healthy habits, balanced diets, appropriate daily routines, mental wellbeing and a harmonious relationship with nature.
According to Jadhav, this broader approach is consistent with the vision of Viksit Bharat under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, where a healthier population is an important foundation for national development.
Three Pillars to Guide Ayurveda Day Campaign
Jadhav outlined three major areas that will guide this year’s nationwide Ayurveda Day campaign.
The first priority is “Integrative Healthcare for Better Health Outcomes.” The initiative will focus on utilizing the strengths and expertise of different systems of medicine in a complementary manner to achieve improved health outcomes.
The second pillar is “Evidence, Research and Innovation in Ayurveda.” Jadhav emphasized that research and credible evidence are essential for strengthening confidence in Ayurveda and supporting its wider acceptance in India and across the world. Innovation, he said, would also be critical to ensuring that Ayurveda continues to evolve while remaining rooted in its traditional foundations.
The third focus area is “Ayurveda for Community Wellbeing and Sustainable Living.” This will highlight the potential of Ayurveda to support healthier individuals, families and communities while encouraging sustainable approaches to everyday living.
Media Urged to Fight Misinformation
Jadhav also highlighted the responsibility of the media in communicating information about Ayurveda. He called upon journalists and media organisations to provide the public with information that is accurate, evidence-based and easy to understand.
“Ayurveda enjoys widespread acceptance, but misconceptions must also be addressed,” he said, underlining the importance of ensuring that citizens receive reliable information. The minister urged the media to take the message of Ayurveda to homes, schools and colleges, as well as to young people, including Gen Z, and communities in both rural and urban areas.
He said the 11th Ayurveda Day should evolve beyond the framework of a government programme and develop into a people’s movement as well as a national health communication campaign.
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Jadhav further called for a stronger connection between traditional Indian knowledge and contemporary healthcare. He said the campaign should establish a clear chain linking tradition with knowledge, knowledge with evidence, evidence with innovation and innovation with public welfare.
Major Programmes Planned for Ayurveda Day
Prof. Sanjeev Sharma, Vice-Chancellor of the National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA), Jaipur, outlined key initiatives planned as part of Ayurveda Day 2026.
He said the campaign would place emphasis on evidence-based Ayurveda, research and innovation, integrated healthcare, community wellbeing and sustainable living.
Among the programmes planned are the National Dhanwantari Ayurveda Awards 2026 and several initiatives at NIA Jaipur. Other activities include the preparation of safety dossiers on medicinal plants, Standard Treatment Guidelines for skin diseases, a report on the Ayush Services Sector, and Ayush Vision 2030.
The programme will also feature exchanges of Memorandums of Understanding and other initiatives aimed at strengthening collaboration and advancing the development of Ayurveda.
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The Curtain Raiser programme was attended by senior officials and representatives from the Ministry of Ayush and associated institutions. Ms. Alarmelmangai D., Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush; Shri Satyajit Paul, DDG, Ministry of Ayush; and Shri Dhirendra Ojha, Principal DG, PIB, were present at the event.
Senior officials from the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), Delhi, National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, and Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY) also attended the programme, along with representatives of the media.
The Ministry of Ayush has appealed to Ayurveda practitioners, researchers, institutions, media organisations and citizens to actively participate in the nationwide campaign.
With the main celebration scheduled for September 23 in Nagpur, the 11th Ayurveda Day campaign seeks to create wider awareness about preventive healthcare and holistic wellbeing while giving greater importance to evidence, research and innovation. The initiative aims to position Ayurveda as a meaningful component of India’s evolving healthcare landscape and strengthen its contribution to building a healthier tomorrow.
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