The 7th Naturopathy Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm at the Central Research Institute of Yoga and Naturopathy (CRIYN), Nagamangala, under the aegis of the Central Council for Research in Yoga & Naturopathy (CCRYN), Ministry of Ayush. The event attracted over 800 participants, including doctors, and undergraduate and postgraduate scholars from across India, representing states such as Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Manipur.
The event was graced by several prominent dignitaries, including Ms. Kavita Garg, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush; Dr. Raghavendra Rao, Director, CCRYN; Dr. H.R. Nagendra, Chancellor, SVYASA University; Dr. Manjunath N.K., Vice-Chancellor, SVYASA University; Dr. Prashanth Shetty, Member of the Governing Board, CCRYN; and Sri Cheluvarayaswamy, Minister of Agriculture and MLA, Nagamangala.
In a written message, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush, emphasized the growing relevance of naturopathy, describing it as a unique system of medicine that aligns health with nature. He proposed the establishment of Yoga and Naturopathy Diet Centres (YNDCs) across India, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to developing central legislation to support yoga and naturopathy systems.
Shri Jadhav also discussed the government’s focus on research, saying, “We are working to create a network of research and teaching institutes like CRIYNs, each equipped with 100 to 200 bed hospitals to conduct high-level research.” He noted that two such institutes, in Nagamangala and Jhajjar, Haryana, are already operational. On Ayurveda Day 2024, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stones for new 100-bed CRIYNs in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, and Khorda, Odisha, with plans for similar institutes in Assam, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala.
Smt. Kavita Garg, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Ayush, highlighted the ancient wisdom of naturopathy, stating, “Naturopathy teaches us moderation in eating, drinking, acting, and living. It enables self-management for better health, which is essential for spiritual growth. We must focus on the present moment, avoiding unnecessary attachment to the past or future.”
Dr. H.R. Nagendra stressed the need to advance research in yoga and naturopathy, emphasizing that the CRIYNs aim to become global centers of excellence for high-quality research.
The event also featured the recognition of winners from the Yogatech Challenge, an initiative to promote innovative startups integrating yoga with modern technology. The challenge received over 70 entries, with 15 finalists across categories such as devices, IT solutions, and props and accessories. NT Solutions won in the Devices category, while Yog4Life was named the winner in the Solutions category. The challenge highlighted transformative innovations, such as AI-driven applications, wearable devices, and advanced yoga accessories, showcasing how technology can modernize and enhance traditional wellness practices.
In addition, a collaborative book titled Role of Yoga in UN SDG Goals was launched, co-authored by NIMHANS, SVYASA University, and CCRYN, exploring how yoga contributes to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The event also saw the release of 10 research books on yoga, one on naturopathy, and the inaugural issue of the Indian Journal of Yoga and Naturopathy, published by Wolters Kluwer.
This event served as a precursor to the upcoming International Conference on Naturopathy, scheduled for November 18-19, 2024, where global experts will discuss new frontiers in holistic health and wellness.
