Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush and Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav chaired the 27th Meeting of the Governing Body of the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) in New Delhi today.

During the meeting, Union Minister Shri Prataprao Jadhav virtually  inaugurated the vertical extension of the Research Laboratory and Animal House Building at CCRAS-RARI, Pune, the Guest House and Residential Building at CCRAS-RARI, Ranikhet, and performed the Bhoomi Poojan of the new 50-bedded hospital building at CCRAS-RARI, Nagpur.  He also unveiled CCRAS-PARAMPARA, a flagship initiative for the systematic documentation, evaluation and scientific validation of India's Local Health Traditions, ethnomedical practices and traditional veterinary knowledge.

Shri Prataprao Jadhav launched the CCRAS National Research Recognitions portal comprising CCRAS PRAKASA, CCRAS NAVONMESA and CCRAS PRABODH 3MT, a fully digital platform to recognise excellence in postgraduate Ayurveda research, innovation and scientific communication. He further launched Ayur-dict, CCRAS's first Android application integrating multiple Ayurveda dictionaries into a single searchable platform. The meeting reviewed the Council's recent achievements, approved key strategic initiatives and launched major research infrastructure and digital initiatives aimed at strengthening evidence-based Ayurveda.

Addressing the Governing Body, Shri Prataprao Jadhav said that Ayurveda today stands at the verge of a transformative era, where scientific validation, innovation and global outreach must complement India's rich traditional knowledge systems. He emphasized that CCRAS has played a pivotal role in generating evidence-based research and called upon the institution to further strengthen its efforts in making Ayurveda more scientifically robust, globally accepted and accessible.

Shri Jadhav stressed that the next phase of Ayurveda's growth must focus on technology, entrepreneurship and market linkages. Referring to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's vision of "Heal by Ayurveda, Heal in India and Make in India," he said that Ayurveda must emerge as a global healthcare solution through scientific excellence, standardization and innovation. He urged CCRAS to promote greater collaboration with international organizations, encourage translational research, and leverage emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence for clinical research, data management and personalized healthcare, while preserving the authenticity and core principles of classical Ayurvedic knowledge.

Highlighting the importance of India's youth in shaping the future of Ayurveda, Shri Jadhav said that young researchers, startups, entrepreneurs and industry must become active partners in taking Ayurveda from laboratories to the marketplace. He called for creating a vibrant innovation ecosystem through research grants, incubation support, mentorship and industry partnerships. The Minister also suggested focusing on initiatives such as a Youth Research Fund, an Ayurveda Startup Accelerator, and a Global Ayurveda Challenge to encourage innovation and position India as a global wellness hub. He urged the Governing Body to work collectively towards transforming Ayurveda into a modern, evidence-driven and globally competitive healthcare system.

Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, while addressing the Governing Body, said, "The Ministry remains committed to strengthening a research-driven ecosystem where quality infrastructure, digital innovation and scientific excellence together strengthen evidence-based Ayurveda. The initiatives launched today will further enhance research capacity, academic excellence and knowledge accessibility."

Prof. (Vaidya) Rabinarayan Acharya, Director General, CCRAS and Member Secretary of the Governing Body, presented the Council's achievements and future roadmap. He said, "CCRAS is committed to creating a research ecosystem where classical Ayurvedic knowledge is strengthened through modern science, digital innovation and quality evidence. The initiatives launched today will expand research infrastructure, empower young researchers, preserve India's traditional knowledge and make Ayurveda more accessible to researchers, practitioners and the global scientific community.”

The meeting was attended by the Members of the Governing Body of CCRAS, senior officials of the Ministry of Ayush, and scientists and officers of CCRAS. The Governing Body appreciated the Council's achievements and provided valuable guidance for further strengthening research, innovation, institutional capacity and the global outreach of Ayurveda.

The meeting reaffirmed the Ministry of Ayush's commitment to strengthening evidence-based Ayurveda through quality research, innovation and institutional excellence. The decisions taken during the meeting are expected to further enhance CCRAS's leadership in Ayurveda research and accelerate its contribution to global healthcare.

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SR/SV/SG