Ayurveda Must Go Global: Jadhav at RAV Convocation

• RAV holds 29th Convocation and Shishyopanayaniya Samskara Ceremony at BHU
• Ayush Minister Prataprao Jadhav highlights global potential of Ayurveda
• Scholars trained under CRAV programme honoured at the ceremony
• Lifetime Achievement Awards conferred on eminent Ayurveda practitioners

GG News Bureau
Varanasi, 12th March: The 29th Convocation and Shishyopanayaniya Samskara Ceremony of the Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth (RAV) was held at Swatantrata Bhawan, Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in Varanasi, celebrating scholars trained under the Certificate of Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth (CRAV) programme and reaffirming the ancient Guru–Shishya tradition of Ayurveda.

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush Prataprao Jadhav addressed the gathering virtually as the Chief Guest and highlighted the growing global relevance of Ayurveda.

Calling it a proud moment to address scholars in the sacred city of Kashi, Jadhav described Varanasi as a historic centre of Ayurvedic knowledge associated with Dhanvantari Divodasa, regarded as the originator of surgical science in Ashtanga Ayurveda.

He also paid tribute to Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, founder of Banaras Hindu University, whose vision helped establish BHU as a major centre for Ayurveda education.

The Minister emphasised that Ayurveda represents a holistic knowledge system that offers comprehensive insights into health and life rather than merely functioning as a medical system.

He also underscored the importance of the Guru–Shishya tradition, through which Ayurvedic wisdom has been preserved and transmitted across generations. Legendary figures such as Dhanvantari, Charaka, Sushruta and Vagbhata emerged through this tradition, he noted.

Jadhav appreciated the efforts of Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth in sustaining this legacy through structured training programmes such as CRAV and MRAV, which enable young physicians to learn directly from experienced Vaidyas.

He also praised the leadership of Padma Bhushan awardee Vaidya Devendra Triguna, President of the Governing Body of RAV, and Dr Vandana Siroha, Director of RAV, for strengthening Ayurveda education and training.

Highlighting the global recognition of Ayush systems under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Jadhav said Yoga and Ayurveda are increasingly contributing to India’s healthcare diplomacy worldwide.

The Ministry of Ayush, he added, is focusing on strengthening education, research and training across traditional medical systems including Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa and Homoeopathy.

Addressing the graduating scholars, the Minister said the convocation marks the beginning of a new responsibility. He urged them to combine traditional Ayurvedic knowledge with modern scientific research to make the system evidence-based and globally accepted.

Padma Shri Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, also congratulated the scholars and stressed the importance of scientific research and documentation to strengthen the credibility of Ayush systems globally.

He highlighted initiatives such as the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) and the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre, which aim to expand research and international collaboration in traditional medicine.

BHU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ajit Kumar Chaturvedi emphasised the importance of academic dedication and research in advancing the Ayush sector.

Meanwhile, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri awardee Vaidya Devendra Triguna expressed satisfaction that the institution is fulfilling its mission of producing skilled Ayurvedic practitioners.

During the ceremony, Lifetime Achievement Awards were conferred on eminent Ayurveda personalities including Vaidya Nirmala Sharma, Keval Krishna Thakral and Girdhari Lal Mishra for their contributions to the field.

Several scholars were also honoured with the Fellow of RAV award, recognising their work in promoting Ayurveda education and practice.

The event brought together distinguished dignitaries from the Ayush sector and academia and marked an important milestone in strengthening traditional medicine education while promoting Ayurveda as a globally respected healthcare system.