All India Institute of Ayurveda, Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences Discuss How To Infuse R&D in Education in Ayush

The event was held in New Delhi and aimed to capitalize on the expertise and experience of the Chairs in academic and research avenues. The participants brainstormed and set goals for the future of the Ayush sector, specifically focusing on research education in Ayush Colleges, in both graduation and post-graduation levels.

During the meeting, the Directors presented their success stories. The Secretary Ministry of Ayush, Vd. Rajesh Kotecha said that they had gathered to brainstorm on how to collectively use the expertise and knowledge of the distinguished chair and set up goals for the future. He further stated that the pandemic was an opportunity for Ayush to develop their science, which they did by developing Ayush 64 and other such products.

Special Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, Pramod Kumar Pathak, added that the meeting would help researchers gain insights from Ayush Distinguished Chairs and learn about their experiences in their field. He also stated that the Ministry of Ayush is working to promote Ayush's patents and research.

In her opening address, Prof. Tanuja Nesari, the Director of AIIA, welcomed all attendees to the meeting. She emphasized the significance of the moment, as it brought together a diverse group of professionals including administrators, policymakers, education experts, researchers, and distinguished scientists. Prof. Nesari highlighted the unique opportunity that this platform presented to create an evidence-based Ayurveda disciplinary model and promote integration.

Echoing this sentiment, Prof. Vd Rabinarayan Acharya, the Director General of CCRAS, spoke about the immense potential of Ayush in comparison to Chinese alternative methods of treatment. He highlighted the fact that during the COVID pandemic, the Ayush system had registered more clinical studies than the Chinese system of medicines. Prof. Acharya stressed the need to prioritize research in Ayurveda and related fields.

The meeting was attended by Heads of all Ayush National Institutions, Research, Councils, and advisors of MoA, Chairman of NCSIM Vaidya Jayant Deopujari, and NCH Dr. Anil Khurana, including five newly-distinguished appointed scientists Ayush Distinguished Scientist Chairs Dr. Nandini K. Kumar (Interdisciplinary Clinical Research), Dr. Arvind Chopra, (Public health and Epidemiology), Dr. Sharmila Shekhar Mande (Ayurveda Biology and Basic Sciences), Dr. Madhu Dikshit (Pharmaceutical Drug Development), and Dr. B.N. Gangadhar (Consciousness and Cognitive Sciences).

The meeting took place in the August presence of Sec Ministry of Ayush Vd Rajesh Kotecha, Special Secretary P.K. Pathak, Prof (Dr) Tanuja Nesari, Director, AIIA, Prof. (Vd.) Rabinarayan Acharya, Director General (CCRAS), MDNIY Director Dr. Ishwar V. Basavaraddi, and Prof. Bhushan Patwardhan, National Ayush Chairs, Directors of National Institute, and research councils.

The participants discussed and set goals for the future of research education in Ayush Colleges and emphasized the need to prioritize research. The event was a step towards creating an evidence-based Ayurveda discipline and integration.

(Source: PIB)