In a major policy shift, the Indian government is preparing to integrate Ayurveda into the health education curriculum across schools and colleges. Union Ayush Minister Prataprao Jadhav announced that the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) and the University Grants Commission (UGC) are working on course modules to introduce students to the principles of holistic and preventive healthcare.
Several states, including Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh, have already taken steps to incorporate elements of the Indian Knowledge System into their school syllabi, setting a precedent for the national rollout.
Focus on Evidence-Based Research and Global Recognition
To strengthen the scientific credibility of Ayurveda, the government is conducting high-quality clinical trials through institutions like the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS). Collaborations with the World Health Organization (WHO) are also underway to establish international standards for Ayurvedic treatments, aiming to boost their global acceptance and recognition.
In the last decade, Ayurveda and other traditional systems under the AYUSH umbrella have gained worldwide prominence — from International Yoga Day and AYUSH Chairs abroad to the establishment of the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine.
Towards an Integrated Healthcare System
Addressing concerns about competition between traditional and modern medicine, Jadhav emphasized that Allopathy and AYUSH are complementary, not rivals. Through initiatives like the National AYUSH Mission and the AYUSH Grid, the government is working to build a collaborative healthcare model that combines the strengths of both systems to offer more comprehensive care.
AYUSH doctors are being deployed in Health and Wellness Centres, especially in rural and remote regions, improving access to primary healthcare services.
Bridging Tradition with Modernity
The initiative reflects a broader government strategy to preserve traditional medical wisdom while promoting scientific research and education. With Ayurveda now set to become a part of mainstream education, future generations may grow up with a deeper understanding of holistic wellness — blending ancient knowledge with modern science to redefine healthcare in India and beyond.
