On October 16th, 2024, in celebration of World Food Day under the theme “Right to Food for a Better Life and Future,” the Ministry of Ayush reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG-2), which focuses on eliminating hunger and enhancing food security. Through the promotion of Ayurveda Aahar, the Ministry is advancing efforts to create a healthier, disease-free, and more sustainable world.
Union Minister of State for Ayush (I/C), Shri Pratap Rao Jhadhav, highlighted the importance of World Food Day, stating, “Ayurveda’s approach to food is not just about sustenance, but about nourishing the body, calming the mind, and fulfilling the soul. Ayurveda Aahar reminds us to live in harmony with nature, and this day serves as a powerful reminder of how a balanced diet, in line with Ayurvedic principles, can impact both individual health and global food security.”
Ayurveda offers cost-effective, nutritious, and sustainable dietary solutions to combat malnutrition and address global food sustainability challenges. According to Ayurvedic philosophy, food is the best medicine, emphasizing the need for consuming the right food in the right way to maintain health and balance.
Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, emphasized recent progress in Ayurveda Aahar, noting that the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) introduced Ayurveda Aahar regulations in 2021. This move has sparked renewed interest across various sectors, revolutionizing the Ayurveda Aahar landscape.
India’s traditional plant-based diet, epitomized by the Indian Thali, has gained global recognition for its positive impact on nutrition and sustainability. The WWF Living Planet Report acknowledges the Indian diet’s role in reducing resource usage and greenhouse gas emissions compared to animal-based diets. The report suggests that if the world adopted India’s consumption patterns, only 0.84 of an earth would be required to sustain global food production by 2050.
Professor Anupam Srivastava of the National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA), Jaipur, highlighted the Ministry of Ayush’s innovative approach to Ayurveda Aahar and its alignment with SDG-2, addressing hunger, nutrition, food security, and sustainability.
In line with this vision, the Ministry of Ayush has launched the “Ayush Dietary Advisory for Kuposhan Mukt Bharat,” a strategy aimed at improving nutritional outcomes, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. In collaboration with the Ministry of Women and Child Development, this initiative focuses on promoting an Ayush-based diet and lifestyle to combat malnutrition and improve the health of future generations.
The Ministry continues to advocate the integration of traditional Ayurvedic wisdom with modern science as a means to address global hunger and enhance health outcomes. As the world celebrates World Food Day 2024, the Ministry of Ayush reiterates its dedication to promoting wellness through Ayurveda Aahar, emphasizing the role of natural nutrition in achieving a disease-free, healthier future.
By embracing Ayurveda Aahar and working collaboratively both within India and globally, the Ministry of Ayush is leading the way in advancing sustainable food practices, positioning India as a model for addressing environmental and health challenges through traditional knowledge.
