The Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (ITRA), Jamnagar, under the Ministry of Ayush, will organise the Dr. P. M. Mehta Oration and the two-day national symposium ‘Ayutech Navonmesh 2026’ on October 15 and 16, 2026, to mark the Institute’s Sixth Foundation Day. The central theme of the symposium is ‘Application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Ayurveda’. The event aims to explore opportunities for advancing research, innovation and healthcare services through the integration of traditional Ayurvedic knowledge with modern digital technologies.

The programme will be held under the leadership of Prof. (Dr.) Tanuja Nesari, Director, ITRA. Hon’ble Member of Parliament Smt. Poonamben Madam will attend as the Chief Guest. Mr. Sameer Pujari, Head of Data, Digital Health, Analytics and Artificial Intelligence in the Division of Health Systems at the World Health Organization (WHO), Switzerland, and Dr. Shyama Kuruvilla, Director of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre, will also participate in the event. Distinguished guests will include Prof. Shailendra Saraf, Director, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Gandhinagar; Dr. Mansi Deshpande, Vice-Chancellor, Gujarat Ayurved University; and Dr. Manoj Nesari, former Adviser (Ayurveda), Ministry of Ayush.

The participation of these eminent experts is expected to facilitate meaningful deliberations on the convergence of Ayurveda and modern digital technologies, with a focus on research and innovation. National and international experts will discuss the potential applications of artificial intelligence and digital technologies in Ayurvedic research, drug development, education and healthcare delivery.

The symposium will feature expert lectures, academic discussions, deliberations on research and technological collaboration, institutional recognitions and cultural programmes. Special emphasis will be placed on the ethical, scientific and practical applications of AI in Ayurvedic research, drug development, quality assurance, medical education and healthcare services.

Prof. (Dr.) Tanuja Nesari, Director, ITRA, said that the integration of Ayurveda and artificial intelligence could open up new avenues for research and innovation. She emphasised that connecting traditional knowledge with modern scientific and data-driven approaches could contribute meaningfully to the advancement of Ayurveda, knowledge exchange and the strengthening of public healthcare services.

Through this initiative, ITRA, Jamnagar, aims to provide a common platform for Ayurveda scholars, researchers, practitioners and technology experts, while promoting responsible technological innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration in traditional medicine.

About ITRA, Jamnagar

Dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on October 15, 2020, ITRA is the first institution in the country to receive the status of an Institution of National Importance in the field of Ayurveda. Located in Jamnagar, a city renowned for its historical and academic traditions in Ayurveda, the Institute promotes education and research through programmes ranging from undergraduate to doctoral levels, along with courses related to Ayurveda pharmacy, yoga and naturopathy.

The Institute operates a 300-bed hospital accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH), where an average of approximately 1,000 patients receive treatment daily through the Outpatient Department (OPD). Since its establishment, the Institute has provided consultation and treatment to a total of 18,47,807 patients through its OPD, while 27,520 patients have received inpatient care. Currently, 20 OPDs are functioning across various departments of the Institute. In addition, weekly OPD services are provided at eight locations across Jamnagar city and district.

The Institute also houses six laboratories accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL), equipped with modern scientific instruments, along with dedicated facilities for yoga and naturopathy.

In the fields of education and research, ITRA has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with 27 institutions, including 18 national and nine international institutions. Its Ayurveda library houses more than 30,000 books and over 5,000 manuscripts. The Institute also maintains an animal house facility for medical and pharmaceutical research in accordance with prescribed standards.

 

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