Ayurveda Day – A Decade of Nurturing Health, Balance and Global Recognition
Ayurveda, the science of holistic healing and healthy living, has steadily reclaimed its place in modern society through a decade-long journey of celebration, awareness, and innovation. Since 2016, the Ministry of Ayush has observed Ayurveda Day each year to highlight its relevance as a scientific, evidence-based, and holistic system of medicine. What began as a national effort has today become a global movement, celebrated in over 150 countries.
Originally observed on Dhanwantari Jayanti – Dhanteras, the date of Ayurveda Day would vary each year, leading to practical challenges in organizing international events. In a landmark move, the Government of India fixed 23rd September as the annual date, coinciding with the autumnal equinox, when day and night are nearly equal. This natural balance mirrors Ayurveda’s core philosophy: harmony between mind, body, and environment.
Each year, a specific theme has guided celebrations, linking Ayurveda to contemporary health needs. From diabetes management in 2016, to pain relief in 2017, and public health in 2018, the journey has been marked by relevance and innovation. Themes like “Ayurveda for Longevity” (2019), “Ayurveda for Covid-19” (2020), “Ayurveda for Poshan” (2021), “Har Din Har Ghar Ayurveda” (2022) and “Ayurveda for One Health” (2023) reflected Ayurveda’s adaptability to changing times. While “Ayurveda Innovation for Global Health” (2024) showcased its expanding scientific and policy reach.
This year, the 10th edition takes forward the vision with the theme “Ayurveda for People and Planet”, aligning Ayurveda with global sustainable development goals and the pressing need to safeguard both individual health and the planet’s well-being.
From 24 countries in 2017 to 150 countries in 2024, Ayurveda Day has become a truly international event. Over the years, national conferences, seminars, and campaigns have helped dispel myths, share scientific evidence, and strengthen confidence in Ayurveda as a mainstream system of healthcare.
The celebrations have been marked by historic milestones. The launch of Mission Madhumeha (2016) provided a national protocol for diabetes management. In 2017, the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi was dedicated to the nation by the Prime Minister, alongside the release of Ayurvedic Standard Treatment Guidelines. The following year saw the creation of the AYUSH-Health Management Information System (A-HMIS) for digital health records.
In 2020, during the Covid-19 crisis, the Prime Minister dedicated two premier institutions – the Institute of Teaching & Research in Ayurveda, Jamnagar, and the National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur. The former has been conferred the status of an Institution of National Importance (INI) by an Act of the Parliament, and the latter is an Institution Deemed to be University by the University Grants Commission. The year also witnessed the World Health Organization announcing the establishment of a Global Centre of Traditional Medicine in India, underlining Ayurveda’s growing international credibility.
Awareness drives such as the Ashwagandha campaign (2022), nutrition-focused publications, and student participation from across the globe further cemented Ayurveda’s reach. In 2023, more than 21,000 activities were conducted across India with over 18 lakh participants, while 15 crore people pledged support through digital platforms. In 2024, the Prime Minister inaugurated Phase II of All India Institute of Ayurveda, New Delhi.
AIIA Goa: Leading the Decade’s Celebration
The spotlight this year falls on AIIA, Goa, which has been chosen as the nodal institute for the 10th Ayurveda Day. Since its inauguration in 2022, AIIA Goa has become a hub of education, patient care, and research. With more than 300 undergraduate students, 10 PG courses and with 22+ specialized outpatient services including a 100-bed Ayurveda hospital, it embodies Ayurveda’s blend of tradition and modernity.
In the run-up to this year’s celebration, AIIA Goa has coordinated an array of public activities – from awareness lectures, myth-busting sessions, and street plays, to medical camps, Run for Ayurveda, and healthy recipe sharing. Competitions in quiz, poster-making, essays, and short films have drawn enthusiastic participation, particularly among the youth.
On 23rd September 2025, a landmark celebration will take place at the Goa campus, bringing together policymakers, researchers, practitioners, and citizens in a grand showcase of Ayurveda’s continuing journey.
AIIA, Goa serves as a key destination for educational visits by international students, offering them valuable exposure to India’s traditional wisdom in Ayurveda. Also, AIIA has signed several MoUs at both state and national levels, fostering collaborations across disciplines to promote and strengthen this holistic system of medicine.
AIIA Goa is dedicated to promoting the integration of Ayurveda with modern oncology through research, education, and specialized patient care. To strengthen this initiative, a tripartite MoU is set to be signed between AIIA Goa, the Ministry of Ayush, Government of Goa, and the Tata Memorial Centre—a grant-in-aid institution under the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India. This collaboration will establish the Integrative Oncology Unit at AIIA Goa, which will be inaugurated on the occasion of Ayurveda Day.
Alongside this, AIIA Goa will also witness the inauguration of advanced facilities, the release of scientific publications, and the signing of MoUs fostering multidisciplinary collaborations.
As the world turns increasingly toward sustainable healthcare models, Ayurveda stands tall as a bridge between tradition and science, between personal health and planetary well-being. The 10th Ayurveda Day is not just a celebration of the past decade’s achievements, but a reaffirmation of India’s resolve to share this wisdom with the world—for the health of people and the planet alike.
Writer – Prof. (Dr.) Sujata Kadam, Dean (Academic and Administration), All India Institute of Ayurveda, Goa
