The National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA), Jaipur, India’s premier institution for Ayurvedic education, research and healthcare, celebrated its Golden Jubilee today, marking 50 years of distinguished service to Ayurveda and public health. The commemorative programme was graced by Chief Minister of Rajasthan Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush and MoS for Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Shri Prataprao Jadhav, and Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Ayush, Rajasthan Shri Prem Chand Bairwa, along with senior officials of the Ministry of Ayush, academicians, researchers, students and other dignitaries.

The event highlighted NIA’s journey from its establishment in 1976 as an Ayurveda college to its present status as India’s first Ayurveda Deemed-to-be University, contributing significantly in the areas of education, training, research, manuscriptology and patient care.

The Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma, while addressing the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA), Jaipur, said that the institute stands as a living bridge between India’s ancient medical wisdom and modern scientific inquiry. He stated that the completion of 50 years marks not merely a milestone in time, but a journey of dedicated service, research and commitment to public health through Ayurveda.

The Chief Minister highlighted that Rajasthan has historically been a fertile land for Ayurveda, enriched with medicinal biodiversity and traditional knowledge systems. He said that the State Government is working continuously to strengthen AYUSH systems and integrate Ayurveda, Yoga and traditional medicine into the mainstream healthcare framework for the benefit of the masses.

Commending the National Institute of Ayurveda for its national leadership in education, research and patient care, Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma said that NIA has emerged as one of the premier Ayurveda institutions of the country. He assured full support of the State Government for the expansion of infrastructure, academic excellence and future-oriented growth of the institute.

Calling the Golden Jubilee a moment of renewed resolve, the Chief Minister said that collective efforts are required to transform NIA into a global centre of Ayurveda education and research in the coming decades. He congratulated the faculty members, students, researchers and alumni for their invaluable contribution to the institute’s legacy.

The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, said that the 50-year journey of the National Institute of Ayurveda reflects the unwavering dedication of generations of Ayurvedic scholars, physicians and researchers who have preserved and advanced this ancient science. He described NIA as a cornerstone institution in India’s holistic healthcare ecosystem.

Shri Jadhav stated that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, AYUSH systems have been firmly integrated into the national healthcare framework. He referred to key budgetary announcements, including the establishment of three new All India Institutes of Ayurveda and the upgradation of the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine at Jamnagar, as transformative steps for the sector.

The Minister emphasized that the Government’s objective is to position AYUSH as an evidence-based, scientifically validated and globally accepted healthcare system. He noted that institutions like NIA are playing a critical role through advanced research, digital health initiatives, international collaboration and patient-centric models of care.

Appreciating the consistent support of the Rajasthan Government, Shri Jadhav sought continued cooperation for land and infrastructure expansion of the institute. He expressed confidence that NIA would emerge as a global hub for holistic wellness and significantly contribute to the “Heal in India” vision.

The Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for AYUSH, Rajasthan, Shri Prem Chand Bairwa, said that the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the National Institute of Ayurveda are a matter of pride for both Rajasthan and the nation. He noted that the transformation of the institute from an Ayurveda college in 1976 to a nationally and internationally recognized institution reflects its academic excellence and service ethos.

Shri Bairwa reiterated the State Government’s commitment to strengthening Ayurveda, Yoga and traditional medicine for public health promotion. He assured that Rajasthan would continue to extend full support to develop NIA as a world-class centre of Ayurveda education, research and patient care.

Chief Minister Shri Bhajanlal Sharma and Union Minister Shri Prataprao Jadhav also launched and inaugurated several important programmes and facilities as part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations. These included the inauguration of the Dhanwantari Upvan, a medicinal plant garden aimed at conservation, education and research, followed by discussions, guidance and directions by the Union Minister of State. The Union Minister also inaugurated the Advanced Simulation Laboratory and the new Operation Theatre Block, significantly enhancing clinical training, research capability and patient safety at the Institute.

The New OPD Block, “Sushrut Bhavan”, was inaugurated to expand outpatient services and improve patient accessibility. In addition, the first official podcast from the NIA Podcast Studio was launched, with the Union Minister recording the inaugural episode to strengthen digital outreach, academic communication and public engagement.

The Golden Jubilee celebrations reaffirmed the National Institute of Ayurveda’s role as a leading institution dedicated to preserving and advancing Ayurveda through education, research and compassionate patient care. The occasion concluded with a collective resolve to position NIA as a global hub for Ayurvedic knowledge, digital health innovation and evidence-based traditional medicine.

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SR/GS