National Dhanwantari Ayurveda Awards 2025 conferred on eminent contributors to ayurveda and allied sciences
The Ministry of Ayush today celebrated the 10th National Ayurveda Day on 23 September at the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), Goa. The celebrations marked a significant milestone in the Ministry’s continuous efforts to promote Ayurveda as a holistic system of health and well-being rooted in sustainability and natural living.
Speaking on this occasion, the Governor of Goa, Shri Ashok Gajapathi Raju, praised this year’s theme, ‘Ayurveda for People and Planet,’ as timely and relevant to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. He underscored the importance of preserving the authenticity of Ayurvedic knowledge while leveraging digital platforms like the NAMASTE portal and Ayush HMIS, which are enhancing accessibility and evidence-based practice.
He commended the establishment of the Integrative Oncology Unit at AIIA Goa, a collaborative initiative with the Tata Memorial Centre, which aims to integrate Ayurveda with modern oncology for holistic cancer care. He appealed for scientific validation of Ayurvedic therapies and emphasized ethical promotion grounded in research and tradition.
Goa has the potential to become a global hub for ayurveda-based wellness tourism. – Governor of Goa Shri Ashok Gajapathi Raju
Chief Minister of Goa, Dr Pramod Sawant, emphasized the contemporary relevance of Ayurveda in tackling rising lifestyle-related disorders such as obesity, diabetes, and stress. He stated that the time-tested concepts of Dinacharya (daily routine) and Ritucharya (seasonal regimen) provide sustainable models for preventive healthcare. Dr. Sawant referenced Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s concern over the growing prevalence of obesity and said Ayurveda offers simple yet powerful tools such as detoxification, balanced diet, herbal medicines, and yoga for promoting long-term wellness.
The Chief Minister highlighted the rich biodiversity of Goa, especially the Western Ghats and coastal ecosystems, which are home to many of the medicinal plants mentioned in classical Ayurvedic texts. He called for enhanced research, conservation, and commercial cultivation of these plants to strengthen Goa’s place in the global Ayurvedic economy.
Ayurveda is the answer to modern lifestyle disorders like obesity and diabetes. – Goa Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant
Over 1.29 crore citizens participated in
health assessments using Ayurvedic
parameters, supported by more
than 1.8 lakh volunteers, including
students, teachers, and doctors.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, in his keynote address, highlighted the tremendous response to the ‘Desh ka Swasthya Parikshan Abhiyan,’ which was launched on Ayurveda Day last year under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Over 1.29 crore citizens participated in health assessments using Ayurvedic parameters, supported by more than 1.8 lakh volunteers, including students, teachers, and doctors. The campaign set five Guinness World Records and marked a new era of data-driven Ayurvedic research. Shri Jadhav noted that such initiatives are laying the groundwork for integrating traditional knowledge systems with modern healthcare to develop predictive, preventive, and personalized medical solutions.
Ayurveda Day on 23 September aligns with Nature’s balance, reflecting core ayurvedic principles. – Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Minister of Ayush
Union Minister of State for Power and New and Renewable Energy, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik, in his address, praised the contributions of Goa and institutions like AIIA Goa in promoting integrative medicine and public outreach. He welcomed the establishment of the Integrative Oncology Unit in collaboration with Tata Memorial Centre as a model of convergence between Ayurveda and modern science. He urged researchers, youth, and practitioners to follow an evidence-based, ethical approach and invited all citizens to support government-led initiatives like Swachhata Hi Sewa and the Swasth Nari Sashakt Pariwar Abhiyan.
Ayurveda offers time-tested solutions to today’s health and environmental crises. – Minister of State, Shri Shripad Naik
The inauguration of this year’s Ayurveda Day included the unveiling of several new initiatives, including the nationwide Desh ka Swasthya Parikshan health assessment campaign and the launch of the DRAVYA portal, a digitized platform for Ayurvedic substances. These initiatives are aimed at enhancing accessibility to Ayurvedic knowledge, improving community health assessments, and fostering innovation in the Ayurvedic sector.
In keeping with the theme, the Ran-Bhaji Utsav was also launched, celebrating the diverse and health-promoting forest vegetables that form the foundation of Ayurvedic dietary practices. Additionally, the prestigious National Dhanwantari Ayurveda Awards 2025 were conferred upon Prof. Bamwari Lal Gaur, Vd. Neelakanthan Mooss E T, and Vd. Bhavana Prasher for their outstanding contributions to Ayurveda and allied sciences.
Several publications were released during the event, including the 25 Years Journey of NMPB, Ayurveda for Sports Medicine, and Ayurveda Insight for Restful Sleep, as well as technical releases related to Ayurvedic research and innovations.
Union Minister Shri Prataprao Jadhav also inaugurated ‘Prayas’, a first-of-its-kind centre blending ayurveda, yoga, and modern therapies for paediatric neuro care.
The event was graced by the august presence of Shri Praveen Arlekar, Member of the Legislative Assembly, Goa; Shri Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush and Padma Shri awardee; Prof. (Vd.) Pradeep Kumar Prajapati, Director, All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi; Prof. (Dr) Sujata Kadam, Dean, AIIA Goa; and Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awardee Vd. Devendra Triguna
