Source: The post Ayurveda Day celebrates people and planet through global collaboration has been created, based on the article “Ayurveda for people & planet: Rooted in tradition, empowering global wellness” published in “Economic Times ” on 13 September 2025. Ayurveda-Future of Health.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health.
Context: India fixed Ayurveda Day on 23 September via a 23 March 2025 Gazette Notification. The 2025 theme—“Ayurveda for People & Planet” links wellness with sustainability.
Why was Ayurveda Day 2025 fixed, and what does it signify?
- Policy decision and theme: Ayurveda Day is fixed on 23 September each year. The theme “Ayurveda for People & Planet” presents Ayurveda as a timeless and progressive healthcare system, strengthened by education, research, and partnerships.
- Equinox symbolism and philosophy: The autumnal equinox reflects near-equal day and night. This symbolises harmony and balance, mirroring Ayurveda’s focus on equilibrium of mind, body, and spirit.
- From variable date to global rhythm: This replaces the earlier Dhanteras-based variable date. A fixed, symbolic date supports global resonance and the ethos of “One World, One Family.”
What infrastructure is shaping Ayurveda’s future in India?
- Anchor institutions: AIIA (New Delhi, 2017), on the AIIMS model, holds NAAC A++. ITRA (Jamnagar) is the first INI in Ayush, and NIA (Jaipur) is a Deemed-to-be University.
- Recent expansion at AIIA: In 2024, AIIA added a Panchakarma hospital, sports medicine unit, Ayurvedic pharmacy, start-up incubation centre, and international guest facilities.
- Standards and research ecosystem: CCRAS advances evidence-based research. PCIM&H sets quality benchmarks, creating a cohesive R&D and standards framework.
How is India globalising Ayurveda?
- International Cooperation Scheme outcomes: India has 25 country-level MoUs and 52 institutional MoUs. There are 43 Ayush Information Cells in 39 countries and 15 Ayush Chairs in leading foreign universities.
- WHO-linked validation: ITRA, MDNIY, and CCRAS-NIIMH are WHO Collaborating Centres. This elevates standards and credibility.
- Diplomacy and technology: The 2023 Group of Friends of Traditional Medicine, initiated by India, advances policy dialogue. A WHO brief on AI in Traditional Medicine highlighted India’s pioneering AI applications in Ayush.
What is the economic footprint, and what lies ahead?
- Industry scale and growth: Ayush has 92,000+ MSMEs and a market of USD 43.4 billion (83.6 lakh crore). Manufacturing grew nearly six-fold (2014–2020) and almost eight-fold by 2022 (projections).
- Detailed growth metrics: RIS studies show manufacturing rose from 721,697 crore (USD 2.85 billion) in 2014–15 to 71,37,800 crore (USD 18.1 billion) in 2020. The services sector generated 71,66,797 crore.
- Exports and recognition: India exports USD 1.54 billion (811,400 crore) in Ayush and herbal products to 150+ countries. Ayurveda is recognised in 30+ nations.
- Outlook: Rooted in tradition, strengthened by science, and expanded through global collaboration, Ayurveda supports holistic, affordable, sustainable healthcare.
Question for practice:
- Discuss why Ayurveda Day is fixed on 23 September and how this decision supports the 2025 theme Ayurveda for People and Planet.
