In a landmark initiative, the Government of India is preparing to integrate Ayurveda into the school and higher education curriculum, Ayush Minister Prataprao Jadhav has announced. The move aims to help the younger generation connect with the principles of holistic health and India’s rich traditional medical knowledge systems.
The minister confirmed that the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) and the University Grants Commission (UGC) are working together to design course modules for school education and higher education institutions.
Ayurveda in Education: Linking Tradition with Modern Learning
Jadhav noted that some states, including Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh, have already integrated aspects of the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) into their school curricula. By preparing structured modules in partnership with NCERT and UGC, the government aims to create a national framework that blends Ayurveda with mainstream education.
“Discussions are underway with NCERT and UGC for preparing course modules for both school and higher education,” Jadhav told PTI. The emphasis will be on practical learning and modern applications of Ayurvedic principles, ensuring students appreciate holistic wellness alongside conventional science.
Ayurveda and Evidence-Based Research
To strengthen Ayurveda’s credibility on a global scale, the Ayush Ministry is focusing on evidence-based research. High-quality clinical trials are being carried out through the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) and other research institutions.
In collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), India is also developing global standards for Ayurvedic treatments, ensuring wider acceptance and trust in traditional healthcare practices.
Integrated Healthcare: Ayurveda and Allopathy Together
Addressing the debate around modern medicine vs. traditional practices, Jadhav clarified that the goal is integration, not competition.
“Allopathy and AYUSH systems are complementary to each other, not competitors. Through the National AYUSH Mission and AYUSH Grid, we are combining the strengths of both systems to provide better healthcare services,” he said.
Under the National AYUSH Mission (NAM), AYUSH doctors are being deployed in Health and Wellness Centres, particularly in rural and remote regions, to make primary healthcare accessible to underserved communities.
Global Recognition of AYUSH Systems
The minister highlighted that India’s traditional systems of medicine have gained significant global recognition over the last decade. Key achievements include:
- Granting Yoga an international identity through International Yoga Day.
- Establishing the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in India.
- Promoting Ayurveda worldwide through AYUSH Chairs and international MoUs.
“We have not only established AYUSH systems with scientific evidence but also gained global acceptance. The government’s policy focuses on balanced development, preserving the uniqueness of each system while encouraging research, standardisation, and education,” Jadhav said.
Ayurveda for Holistic Public Health
Through NAM, the government is also developing AYUSH health centres and medicinal gardens across the country, reinforcing Ayurveda’s role in strengthening public health infrastructure.
The integration of Ayurveda into India’s education system marks a transformative step towards holistic learning and healthcare. By blending traditional wisdom with modern science, the government aims to empower students with knowledge that enhances both well-being and scientific understanding.
With initiatives like the National AYUSH Mission, clinical research, and global collaborations, Ayurveda is set to play a pivotal role in shaping a sustainable, inclusive, and health-conscious future.
