Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said that under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's leadership, India's Yog and Ayurvedic systems of medicine have regained global recognition. Ayurveda has been an integral part of Indian culture and lifestyle for centuries. The ingredients used in Indian kitchens and spices in our food are also rooted in Ayurved. The spirit of Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah and Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam is embedded in Indian culture and the knowledge of the Veds. We wish for the happiness and well-being of all people and regard the entire world as one family.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that Ayurved is a system of medicine that emphasises not only the treatment of diseases but also their prevention. Ayurveda teaches the importance of maintaining balance in diet, thoughts and conduct. It emphasises keeping a person healthy before a disease occurs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, yoga, pranayama and Ayurveda demonstrated their potential to support human health and well-being. He said India's glorious heritage is once again gaining recognition in Western countries. This year, a statue of Maharishi Sushruta, regarded as the father of surgery, was installed at the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh, Scotland, one of the world's oldest surgical institutions.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the AYUSH market was worth around USD 3 billion in 2014 and has now grown to USD 43 billion. The State Government is making continuous efforts to promote Ayurveda. Responding to the demand for an increase in the stipend for AYUSH intern doctors, he said that appropriate directions had already been issued following discussions with AYUSH Minister Shri Inder Singh Parmar. He added that intern doctors would receive good news soon.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav addressed the state-level programme organised at Pandit Khushilal Sharma Government Autonomous Ayurveda College on Wednesday on the occasion of the 11th National Ayurveda Day.
Ayurveda Exhibition Inaugurated
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav inaugurated the programme by lighting a ceremonial lamp before the idol of Lord Dhanvantari at the college's Silver Jubilee Auditorium. Earlier, he planted a Red Sandalwood sapling on the campus and inaugurated an Ayurveda exhibition aimed at connecting the general public with traditional systems of medicine. He also visited various stalls at the exhibition.
State Composite Herbal Garden Inaugurated
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav inaugurated several development projects and performed Bhoomi Poojan for others on Ayurved Day. These included 25 AYUSH buildings, hospitals and college buildings constructed at a cost of over ₹184 crore. He inaugurated 12 AYUSH buildings constructed at a cost of ₹4.70 crore and performed Bhoomi Poojan for 13 AYUSH buildings, hospitals and Ayurveda college facilities at a cost of ₹179 crore.Chief Minister Dr. Yadav also inaugurated the State Composite Herbal Garden spread over six acres on the Ayurveda College campus. He inaugurated an Ayurveda college established in the tribal-dominated Dindori district at a cost of ₹102 crore to promote Ayurvedic healthcare in the region. The Chief Minister unveiled the names of AYUSH Wellness Tourism Centres, which will now be known as AYUSH Arogyam Dham. He also inaugurated public access to the Herbal Garden of State Importance established at Pandit Khushilal Sharma Ayurveda College.
Ayurveda Day Determined Through Astronomical Calculations
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that India has demonstrated its significance to the world through the eight great accomplishments, including zero, decimals, Yog, Ayurved, astronomy, astrology, architecture and spirituality. According to astronomical calculations, day and night are of equal duration on September 23. This is why September 23 was chosen to be observed as National Ayurved Day. Similarly, June 21 is observed as International Yoga Day, with programmes being organised in more than 200 countries. On June 21, the Sun moves from Uttarayana to Dakshinayana. Indian culture has traditionally been centred on the Sun.
Keep the Body Healthy Like a Sacred Temple through Ayurveda
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said Ayurveda experts believe that when a disease spreads in a particular area, its medicinal remedy is often available within a radius of 25 to 30 kilometres. “Why should we look for treatment only after falling ill?” he asked, highlighting the concept of wellness.
He said people should strive to remain healthy through their daily routine and diet. By adopting a lifestyle based on Yog and Ayurved, people can maintain good health and prevent diseases. God has given us the body as a temple, and we should make every effort to keep it healthy. The importance of Ayurved was evident to everyone during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ayurved is a system of medicine that emphasises maintaining good health throughout life.
AYUSH System Being Promoted Through Tourism in the State
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said the first Ayurveda college building in Madhya Pradesh was constructed in Gwalior in 1916. Subsequently, three buildings were established in Jabalpur, Indore and Ujjain in 1972. This was followed by the establishment of colleges in Burhanpur and Pandit Khushilal Sharma Ayurveda College in Bhopal. He said the State Government has initiated the establishment of nine new Ayurvedic colleges. To expand the AYUSH system of medicine, the State Government has increased the AYUSH Department's budget 16-fold compared with 2002-03. 12 AYUSH Health and Wellness Centres are being established at major tourist destinations across the state. The State Government is promoting the AYUSH system of medicine through tourism.
1,773 Ayurvedic Dispensaries, 800 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and 58 AYUSH Wings Operational
Higher Education and AYUSH Minister Shri Inder Singh Parmar said that Ayurved would have a distinct place in the future of Indian systems of medicine. He said that the number of medical and Ayurvedic colleges in the state is steadily increasing under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Yadav. He said that until 2023, the state had seven Ayurvedic colleges and two colleges offering Homoeopathy and Unani systems of medicine. At present, nine AYUSH colleges are operational, while eight new Ayurvedic colleges are under construction. There are 1,773 Ayurvedic dispensaries, 800 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and 58 AYUSH wings functioning across the state. The AYUSH Department is also active in all 31 districts affected by sickle cell disease. Yoga classes have also been started to teach yoga to citizens.
AYUSH Department Committed to Promoting Ayurvedic Medicine and Doctors
Principal Secretary, AYUSH, Shri Shobhit Jain said Ayurveda is not merely a system of medicine but an important part of India's Sanatan civilisation. It is based on maintaining balance between the mind, body and soul along with medicines. Ayurveda introduced the concept of wellness centuries ago, as mentioned in the Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita.
He said the AYUSH Department is committed to promoting Ayurvedic medicine and Ayurvedic doctors.
Minister of State (Independent Charge) Smt. Krishna Gaur, MLA Shri Bhagwandas Sabnani, Madhya Pradesh Housing Board Chairman Shri Om Jain, Shri Ravindra Yati, AYUSH Commissioner Smt. Usha Maheshwari, departmental officials, AYUSH doctors, public representatives and a large number of AYUSH students were present at the programme.
