Government Plans to Incorporate Ayurveda into Education Curriculum

The government of India is set to integrate Ayurveda into the health education curriculum for schools and colleges. This initiative was announced by Ayush Minister Prataprao Jadhav, who emphasized the collaboration between the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) and the University Grants Commission (UGC) to develop comprehensive course modules. The aim is to engage the younger generation with the principles of holistic health.

During a recent statement to Press Trust of India (PTI), Minister Jadhav highlighted that several states, including Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh, have already begun incorporating aspects of the Indian knowledge system into their educational frameworks. He stated, “Discussions are underway with NCERT and UGC for preparing course modules for school education and higher education.”

Global Efforts and Research Initiatives

In addition to educational integration, Minister Jadhav outlined the government’s commitment to establishing Ayurveda on a global platform. He noted that the Ayush Ministry is prioritizing evidence-based research, with high-quality clinical trials being conducted through the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) and other institutions. Moreover, collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) aims to set standards that enhance the scientific credibility of Ayurvedic treatments.

Addressing the competition between modern medicine and traditional Indian healing practices, Jadhav stated, “Allopathy and AYUSH systems are complementary to each other, not competitors.” He pointed out that initiatives such as the National AYUSH Mission and AYUSH Grid are focused on integrating the benefits of both medical systems to improve healthcare services.

Strengthening Public Health Infrastructure

As part of the strategy to bolster public health infrastructure, the National AYUSH Mission is deploying AYUSH doctors in Health and Wellness Centres, particularly in rural and remote areas, to enhance access to primary healthcare services. Minister Jadhav noted the significant strides made by the Ministry of AYUSH over the last decade in formalizing India’s traditional medical practices.

He remarked, “We have not only established AYUSH systems with scientific evidence but also succeeded in spreading them to the masses and gaining global acceptance.” The minister cited the global recognition of Yoga, the establishment of the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine, and initiatives like International Yoga Day as key achievements that contribute to global holistic health.

Jadhav stressed that the government’s focus is on balanced and equitable development. He affirmed the commitment to preserving the uniqueness of each healthcare system while promoting modern research, standardization, and education. Under the National AYUSH Mission, the establishment of AYUSH health centres and medicinal gardens across the country is underway, aiming to create a robust framework for traditional medicine in India.