Union Minister of Ayush and Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, inaugurated the month-long celebration drive during a curtain raiser press conference at the media center, highlighting the importance of Ayurveda in promoting comprehensive well-being across India. This event marks the 8th National Ayurveda Day, commemorating Lord Dhanvantari, the God of Ayurveda, and coincides with Dhanteras, a day dedicated to seeking blessings for good health.
Ayurveda Day isn’t solely a celebration of an ancient medical tradition; it embodies the principles of “Jan Sandesh, Jan Bhagidhari, and Jan Andolan for Jan Arogya,” with an emphasis on community involvement and healthcare awareness. The Ministry of Ayush aims to explore Ayurveda’s potential not just for human health but also for the well-being of the environment, plants, and animals. This year’s theme, “Ayurveda for One Health,” underscores the interconnectedness of human, animal, plant, and environmental health.
The theme, “Ayurveda for One Health,” aligns with India’s G20 Presidency theme, “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” meaning the world is one family. Ayurveda Day 2023 carries the tagline “Ayurveda for everyone on every day,” highlighting its applicability to every aspect of life, from humans to animals, plants, and the environment. It aims to promote a holistic approach to health, with a focus on Ayurveda for Farmers, Ayurveda for Students, and Ayurveda for the Public.
Shri Sarbananda Sonowal emphasized the Indian government’s commitment to the “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” principle. Harnessing the potential of Ayurveda can lead to a holistic healthcare revolution addressing the interconnected well-being of individuals, animals, plants, and the environment.
The month-long Ayurveda Day celebrations aim to raise awareness and educate students, farmers, and the general public about the benefits of Ayurveda. This year, Ayurveda Day falls on November 10, 2023, and serves as a platform to address specific health issues through Ayurveda. The theme for Ayurveda Day 2023 focuses on promoting Agro-Ayurveda, encouraging self-participation for health empowerment, and inspiring professionals to tap into Ayurveda’s potential.
Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, revealed that a total of 12,500 Ayush Health & Wellness Centers have been approved under the National Ayurveda Mission (NAM), with 8095 already operational. The month-long campaign includes activities such as exhibitions, research dissemination, medical camps, public lectures, distribution of medicinal plants to farmers, and competitions to promote Ayurveda. The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Science (CCRAS), under the Ministry of Ayush, will serve as the coordinating agency for the Ayurveda Day programs in 2023, with 30 units spread across the country to ensure the effective execution of the celebration drive, reaching people in different regions of India.