The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Ayush, marked its 56th Foundation Day on December 1, 2024, by organizing a symposium titled “Research and Innovation in Ayurveda” at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi.
Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, extended his congratulations and praised Prof. Acharya, Director-General of CCRAS, and Dr. N Srikanth, DDG of CCRAS, for their leadership in advancing innovation, documentation, and training in Ayurveda. He emphasized the symposium’s importance in guiding future research and innovation in the field. He also highlighted the success of the Mission Utkarsh, which benefited five lakh adolescent girls with anemia through Ayurveda interventions.
Prof. (Vaidya) Rabinarayan Acharya, DG of CCRAS, welcomed participants and shared the council’s key achievements, including collaborations with prestigious institutions like CSIR, DRDO, AIIMS, IITs, and NIMHANS. He emphasized CCRAS’s efforts to foster research across all levels, including scholarships and projects that enhance research capacity.
In his address, Prof. Shrinivasa Varakhedi, Vice Chancellor of Central Sanskrit University, discussed the growing global awareness of Ayurveda and Yoga. He stressed the importance of connecting with ancient knowledge to conduct meaningful research that benefits public health. Prof. Bhushan Patwardhan, National Research Professor-Ayush, lauded CCRAS’s efforts in advancing Ayurvedic research and the need to stay rooted in traditional knowledge while incorporating modern scientific approaches.
During the event, CCRAS released several important publications: the Textbook of Biostatistics, the Investigator’s Brochure on Anemia Control among Adolescent Girls through Ayurveda Interventions, Pakavali, and Ayurvedsangrah.
The symposium also included the felicitation of key figures for their outstanding contributions to Ayurveda. Lifetime achievement awards were presented to Dr. M P S Arya and Dr. Maya Ram Uniyal. Other awards were given to individuals for their roles in reviewing scientific communications and for their collaborative projects. Notably, Padma Shri Prof. D.T. Shahani was recognized for his project with IIT, and several institutions received awards for their excellence in research and development.
The event featured three technical sessions, including oration lectures on Innovation and Indian Knowledge Systems: Ayurveda Perspective and Transdisciplinary Research: Way Forward. These sessions were followed by a panel discussion on the growing opportunities for start-ups in the Ayurvedic sector.
With over 400 participants, including scientists, policymakers, researchers, and industry stakeholders, the 56th Foundation Day Symposium reaffirmed CCRAS’s commitment to promoting Ayurveda as a cornerstone of global holistic healthcare systems.
