Ayurveda Day 2024 | 04 Nov 2024

Source: PIB

Why in News ? 

The Ministry of Ayush celebrated 9th Ayurveda Day on 29th October, 2024 centered around the theme “Ayurveda Innovations for Global Health.” 

• The PM launched several health projects, highlighting India's commitment to accessible Ayurveda.

What is Ayurveda?

• About: Ayurveda focuses on achieving balance in the body, mind and spirit to promote holistic wellbeing.  
  • The term Ayurveda is derived from two Sanskrit words: “ayu”, meaning life, and “veda”, meaning knowledge. 
• Historical Context: Ayurveda, with origins dating back to the Vedas (5000–1000 BCE), is among the oldest healthcare systems.  
  • Ancient texts like the Ramayana and Mahabharata reference plant-based treatments and surgery.  
    • Around 1000 BCE, the Caraka and Susruta Samhitas established Ayurveda’s principles, later expanded by Vagbhata's Astanga Sangraha and Astanga Hridaya (Ayurvedic texts). 
  • By the 19th-20th centuries, India formalised Ayurveda education, creating structured programs and a thriving industry that supports public and private healthcare. 
• Ayurveda Day: Since 2016, the Government of India has been observing Ayurveda Day every year on Dhanawantari Jayanti (Dhanteras) to raise awareness about Ayurvedic principles, medicinal herbs, and lifestyle practices. 
  • The knowledge of Ayurveda is attributed to Dhanawantari, the divine physician who received this knowledge from the Lord Brahma. 
• International Reach: Ayurveda spread globally through trade and cultural exchanges, influencing traditional medicine practices in Tibet, China, and beyond. 
  • Ayurveda is now recognised as a traditional medicine system in 24 countries, with over 100 countries importing Ayurvedic products.  
  • This international acknowledgment is furthered by collaborative platforms like the  Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Expert Working Group, BIMSTEC Taskforce, and BRICS High-Level Forum on Traditional Medicine, which foster policy alignment and global healthcare integration. 
  • The World Health Organisation (WHO) included Ayurveda in the ICD-11 TM Module 2, allowing accurate documentation of Ayurvedic health interventions.  
    • WHO also set benchmarks for Ayurveda practice and training, raising global quality standards.

What is the Significance of the Theme? 

• The theme focuses on fostering Ayurvedic innovation to address global health issues. 
  • Key Objectives Include: 
    • Combating non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and antimicrobial resistance. 
    • Addressing challenges related to climate change, geriatric and mental health, and nutritional disorders. 
    • Emphasizing preventive health and holistic wellness. 
    • Supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Universal Health Coverage (UHC) vision. 
  • Key Focus Areas: 
    • Women’s Health: Utilising Ayurveda’s holistic methods to address women-specific health issues. 
    • Workplace Wellness: Applying Ayurvedic principles to support physical and mental health in work settings.  
    • School Wellness Programs: Promoting Ayurvedic wellness among children through practices that enhance immunity.  
    • Food Innovation: Advancing Ayurvedic dietary concepts and innovations by merging traditional approaches with modern culinary methods. 
  • By promoting preventive health and wellness, Ayurveda supports Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 and Universal Health Coverage (UHC).