The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), an apex autonomous organization under the Ministry of Ayush, celebrated its 56^th Foundation Day on 1^st December 2024 with a symposium on “Research and Innovation in Ayurveda” at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. 

On this occasion, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush congratulated and lauded Prof. Acharya, DG, CCRAS and Dr. N Srikanth, DDG, CCRAS for benchmark work done in the field of innovation, documentation, and training. He stated that the symposium would play an important role in giving future direction to research and innovation. He discussed the work done by task force during COVID-19 for welfare of general public. He mentioned that by 2030, three globally accepted botanical drugs would be standardized and dossiers would be prepared. He also talked about Mission Utkarsh, a large scale public health intervention and observational study that has benefitted 5 lakh adolescent girls with Anemia. He further pointed out the participatory approach of Indian Knowledge Systems.

In his welcome address, Prof. (Vaidya) Rabinarayan Acharya, DG, CCRAS highlighted the key achievements and activities that were instrumental in the growth of CCRAS. He elaborated on the collaborations undertaken by CCRAS with institutes like CSIR, DRDO, AIIMS, NIMHANS, IITs etc. for fundamental research through its various projects. He also talked about the work being done by CCRAS to inculcate research temperament and reach each stakeholder including teachers, students through research and scholarships. This was followed by featuring a short film titled ‘Genesis and Achievements of CCRAS’ to showcase Journey of CCRAS through the years.

During his address at the symposium, Prof. Shrinivasa Varakhedi, Vice Chancellor, Central Sanskrit University highlighted the growing popularity of Ayurveda. He said in past 3-4 years, the world has entered a new era wherein every individual is aware of Ayurveda and Yoga. Dr. Varakhedi discussed the need of fostering connection with our roots to carry out meaningful research for public welfare. He also talked about the concept of personalized medicine that exists in Ayurveda. He further stated that Ancient Shashtras are not prescriptive but descriptive in nature, and Indian Knowledge Systems including Ayurveda is based on active participatory approach rather than passive approach to health.

Prof. Bhushan Patwardhan, National Research Professor-Ayush lauded CCRAS’s pivotal role in advancing Ayurvedic research and innovation over the years. He congratulated Prof. Acharya and acknowledged the efforts of CCRAS family for bringing the council to its present legacy.  He also stressed upon the need of remaining connected to our age-old ancient traditions. He said that modern science is only based on what senses can perceive whereas Indian Knowledge Systems and Shastras go beyond that with a holistic approach to health.

CCRAS publications viz. Textbook of Biostatistics, Investigator’s Brochure: Anemia Control among Adolescent Girls through Ayurveda Interventions in the Five Districts Under Mission Utkarsh, Pakavali and Ayurvedsangrah were released during the event.

Next, renowned persons who played a pivotal role in the development of CCRAS were felicitated. Dr M P S Arya and Dr Maya Ram Uniyal received lifetime achievement awards for their exemplary contribution to Ayurveda. Dr. Neel Sarovar Bhavesh and Dr Galib were felicitated for their contribution as reviewers of scientific communications, research schemes/ projects of the council. Among CCRAS research collaborators, Padma Shri. Prof. D T Shahani was felicitated for his collaborative project with IIT. Dr Arun Gupta and Dr Sumit Srivastava were felicitated for work done during COVID-19 pandemic. Prof. (Dr.) Abhijit H Joshi and Vd. S D Kamat were felicitated for literary research in CCRAS. Indian Medicines Pharmaceutical Corporation Limited, National Commission for Indian System of Medicine and Wolters Kluwer Medknow were recognized for their immense support in Research and Development. National Ayurveda Research Institute for Panchakarma (NARIP) Cheruthuruthy, RARI Gwalior, and RARC Dimapur were conferred best performing R&D Institute Awards in National/ Central Institute, Regional Institute and Regional Centre categories, respectively.

The symposium featured three in-depth technical sessions, each dedicated to a critical theme in the advancement of Ayurveda. Oration lecture on ‘Innovation and Indian Knowledge Systems: Ayurveda Perspective’ and ‘Transdisciplinary Research: Way Forward’ were delivered by Dr. Bhushan Patwardhan and Dr. K Satyamoorthy, respectively. The technical sessions were followed by a dynamic panel discussion to explore the increasing opportunities for start-ups in the Ayurvedic sector. Industry leaders shared their perspectives on the future of Ayurveda in the global market.

The event brought together more than 400 participants including scientists, policymakers, academicians, researchers, and industry stakeholders.

By fostering a collaborative environment and encouraging innovation, the 56^th Foundation Day Symposium reaffirmed CCRAS’s mission. The council remains committed to ensuring that Ayurveda continues to thrive as a cornerstone of holistic and sustainable healthcare systems worldwide.

Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush graced the event virtually as Chief Guest. Prof. Shrinivasa Varakhedi, Vice Chancellor, Central Sanskrit University, New Delhi was special guest for the occasion. Prof. Bhushan Patwardhan, National Research Professor-Ayush was the Guest of Honor. Smt. Kavita Garg, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, Dr Kousthubha Upadhyaya,  Advisor, Ayurveda, Ministry of Ayush and Shri Deepak Kochhar, DDA, CCRAS were also present.

 

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