Ayurveda’s Global Leap: PM Modi Lays Foundation for Research Hub as India Strengthens Traditional Medicine

PM Modi noted that Ayurveda, along with other AYUSH systems, has gained global recognition, expanding to over 100 countries. “India has immense potential to become the world’s health and wellness capital,” he said.

Ayurveda’s Global Leap: PM Modi Lays Foundation for Research Hub as India Strengthens Traditional Medicine
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 5 January, virtually laid the foundation stone for the new building of the Central Ayurveda Research Institute (CARI) in Rohini, New Delhi, signaling a significant advancement in the promotion of traditional medicine in India. 

The state-of-the-art facility, to be built at a cost of ₹187 crore, will span 2.92 acres and feature a 100-bed research hospital, specialized clinics, and modern laboratories. Terming the project as “Ayurveda’s next big leap,” PM Modi highlighted the government’s efforts to make healthcare holistic and accessible. 

He noted that Ayurveda, along with other AYUSH systems, has gained global recognition, expanding to over 100 countries. “India has immense potential to become the world’s health and wellness capital,” said Modi. “The day is not far when, along with ‘Make in India,’ the world will also adopt ‘Heal in India’ as a mantra.” He added that a special AYUSH visa facility has already allowed hundreds of foreign nationals to benefit from Indian traditional medicine. 

New Facility to Revolutionize Ayurvedic Research and Treatment 

The new CARI building, expected to be completed within 30 months, will integrate traditional Ayurvedic practices with modern technology. Specialized clinics in geriatrics, preventive cardiology, pediatrics, and ENT, among others, will offer advanced treatments like Panchakarma and Jalukavacharana (leech therapy) alongside modern diagnostic techniques. “This futuristic building is poised to provide high-quality services to society, enhancing awareness and accessibility of traditional medicine,” said Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush. 

The institute, operational since 1979, has been a leader in Ayurveda research, focusing on non-communicable diseases and preventive cardiology. The new facility marks a monumental step forward, transitioning from rented premises in Punjabi Bagh to a dedicated campus in Rohini. 

JP Nadda Stresses Ayurveda and Modern Medicine Integration 

In another significant development, Union Health Minister JP Nadda announced a new health policy aiming to integrate yoga, Ayurveda, and naturopathy with modern medicine. 

Speaking at the inauguration of S-VYASA Deemed-to-be University’s new campus in Bengaluru, Nadda highlighted how this approach would create a healthier future for India. “Our visionary Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji has brought about a significant policy change to ensure that the health system is holistic and comprehensive,” said Nadda. He underscored the importance of collaboration between traditional and modern medicine, citing examples such as AYUSH blocks in all 22 AIIMS across the country. 

Nadda also noted the establishment of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat, which is poised to become the world’s hub for traditional medicine research and innovation. 

Global Recognition and Research Efforts 

The S-VYASA University in Bengaluru has been at the forefront of blending ancient wisdom with modern science, contributing over 1,000 research papers published in leading international journals. 

Nadda commended the institution’s role in advancing yoga and Ayurveda globally, now influencing 30 countries. “AYUSH is no longer confined to traditional medicine; it is advancing alongside modern science,” he added, highlighting the government’s collaborations with global research bodies and institutions like the CSIR, ICMR, and the Department of Biotechnology. 

A Holistic Future for Healthcare in India 

From the foundation of CARI in New Delhi to the groundbreaking work at S-VYASA in Bengaluru, India is positioning itself as a global leader in integrated healthcare. With PM Modi championing Ayurveda and yoga alongside modern medicine, the country’s traditional health systems are gaining renewed relevance and recognition. 

As the PM aptly stated, “The world is turning to India for holistic healing. Together, we are shaping a future where traditional knowledge and modern science converge to transform global healthcare.”