Preventive therapy in Ayurveda a unique opportunity: Prataprao

Preventive therapy that traditional medicine offers is a unique opportunity which can be used to control lifestyle diseases afflicting India, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush Prataprao Jadhav said at the 10th National Ayurveda Day celebrations at the All-India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), Goa, on Tuesday.

Governor of Goa Ashok Gajapathi Raju, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, and Union Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy Shripad Yesso Naik were among those who participated in the event.

Mr. Jadhav said there is growing global recognition of Ayurveda as a holistic healthcare system. “The decision to fix September 23 as the permanent date for Ayurveda Day is historic as it aligns with the autumnal equinox, a symbol of balance in nature, which lies at the heart of Ayurvedic philosophy,” he said.

He added that the celebrations marked a milestone in the Ministry’s efforts to promote Ayurveda as a system of health and well-being rooted in sustainability and natural living.

Mr. Raju noted that in less than a decade, Ayurveda Day had evolved from a national observance into a global health movement, with more than 150 countries now celebrating it. He underlined the importance of preserving authenticity while leveraging digital platforms such as the NAMASTE portal and Ayush HMIS to enhance accessibility and evidence-based practice.

The Governor also highlighted Goa’s potential to emerge as a hub for Ayurveda-based wellness tourism, and commended the establishment of the Integrative Oncology Unit at AIIA Goa in collaboration with the Tata Memorial Centre.

Chief Minister Sawant emphasised Ayurveda’s relevance in tackling lifestyle-related disorders such as obesity, diabetes and stress. He said the time-tested concepts of dinacharya (daily routine) and ritucharya (seasonal regimen) provided sustainable models for preventive healthcare, and pointed to Ayurveda’s simple tools such as detoxification, balanced diet, herbal medicines and yoga for promoting long-term wellness.