The Ministry of AYUSH conferred the National Dhanwantari Ayurveda Awards 2025 on Prof. Banwari Lal Gaur, Vaidya Neelakandhan Mooss E.T., and Vaidya Bhavana Prasher, recognising their outstanding contributions to the field of Ayurveda across academic, traditional, and scientific domains.

The awards celebrate individuals who have made impactful contributions to the promotion, preservation, and advancement of Ayurveda. This year’s awardees represent a unique convergence of classical scholarship, living tradition, and scientific innovation.

Prof. Banwari Lal Gaur: Strengthening Ayurveda through Language and Literature

Prof. Banwari Lal Gaur, a noted scholar and academician, has spent over six decades contributing to Ayurvedic education and Sanskrit scholarship. He has authored 31 books and over 300 academic works, including 319 publications in Sanskrit. His mentorship of 24 PhD scholars and 48 postgraduates highlights his role in shaping the academic future of Ayurveda.

He has received several national honours, including the Rashtrapati Samman, for his contributions to Ayurvedic literature and education.

Reflecting on the honour, Prof. Gaur said, "Receiving the National Dhanwantari Ayurveda Award 2025 is an honour that I accept with deep humility, as a reflection of the collective spirit of Ayurveda and Sanskrit. I sincerely thank the Ministry of Ayush for recognising my lifelong contributions and for its steadfast commitment to nurturing Ayurveda’s academic and literary dimensions. This award is not just a personal recognition but a celebration of our shared tradition. I hope it inspires young scholars to carry forward the torch of Ayurveda with zeal, sincerity, and respect for knowledge."

Vaidya Neelakandhan Mooss E.T.: Custodian of Kerala’s Healing Legacy

Vaidya Neelakandhan Mooss E.T., head of the Vaidyaratnam Group, represents the eighth generation of a family with a 200-year-old Ayurvedic legacy. He leads a team of over 100 physicians and has contributed to extending Kerala’s classical Ayurvedic practices to national and global audiences. His initiatives include community health programmes such as Marmayanam and Vajra, and a practical handbook on Panchakarma.

His work exemplifies the continuity of Ayurveda as a living tradition that adapts while preserving its classical roots.

On receiving the award, Vaidya Mooss said, "To be conferred with the National Dhanwantari Ayurveda Award 2025 is both humbling and deeply fulfilling. I express my heartfelt gratitude to the Ministry of Ayush for honouring the Ayurvedic legacy and the contributions of our family tradition. This recognition strengthens my resolve to continue serving with compassion, mentoring young vaidyas, and ensuring that Ayurveda remains a living, dynamic practice that benefits communities across the world."

Vaidya Bhavana Prasher: Integrating Ayurveda and Genomics

Vaidya Bhavana Prasher, a scientist at CSIR–IGIB, has been recognised for her pioneering work in the field of Ayurgenomics. Her research bridges traditional Ayurvedic concepts such as Prakriti and Tridosha with modern genomic science, enabling advancements in predictive and personalised healthcare.

Her AI and ML-based Prakriti analysis protocols have been integrated into national programmes such as the Rashtriya Prakriti Parikshan Karyakram, helping expand the scope of Ayurveda in public health.

Vaidya Prasher said, "I am deeply humbled to receive the National Dhanwantari Ayurveda Award 2025. This recognition is not only a personal honour but also a reaffirmation of the importance of integrating scientific research with the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda. The Ministry of Ayush has provided a visionary platform to encourage evidence-based studies through innovative approaches, and facilitating researchers and institutions to bridge traditional medicine knowledge with modern science through various schemes. I see this award as a collective encouragement for all scientists working to strengthen Ayurveda’s role in global health."

Recognising Excellence in Ayurveda

The National Dhanwantari Ayurveda Awards, instituted by the Ministry of AYUSH, are among the highest honours in the field of traditional Indian medicine. The 2025 awardees represent three distinct dimensions of Ayurveda—Prof. Gaur as the scholar, Vaidya Mooss as the traditional practitioner, and Vaidya Prasher as the scientific innovator.

Together, they exemplify the continuity and evolution of Ayurveda, highlighting its relevance in both classical and contemporary contexts.

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