Going Beyond Treatment Towards Wellness
Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences Launches “PRAGATI-2024”, an initiative to shape the future of Ayurveda
The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), an autonomous body under the Union Ministry of Ayush, launched on May 28 “PRAGATI- 2024” (Pharma Research in AyurGyan And Techno Innovation).
It offers a very useful opportunity for collaborative research in the field of Ayurveda.
The event’s interactive meeting aimed to explore research opportunities and foster collaboration between CCRAS and the Ayurveda drug industry.
On this occasion, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush , Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, emphasised the industry’s crucial role in the development of Ayurveda. He highlighted the vast potential industries have to expand and advance the sector, noting that the influx of new practitioners and startups presents tremendous growth opportunities.
During his address at PRAGATI-2024, DG, CCRAS, Prof. Rabinarayan Acharya highlighted the growing momentum of Ayush products, particularly Ayurveda, both in India and worldwide. “The aim of CCRAS is to reach each stakeholder and therefore we have started giving scholarships so that students understand the importance of research. We have started programs to reach out to teachers, students through research and scholarships.
Advisor (Ayu.), Ministry of Ayush Dr. Koustubha Upadhaya delivered an insightful address at PRAGATI-2024, emphasizing that “research and industry must work hand in hand to ensure that their combined efforts ultimately benefit society.” He stressed that the quality of Ayush products is fundamentally rooted in rigorous research, underscoring the importance of developing research- based, high-quality, safe, and effective Ayurvedic products. The latest newsletter of CCRAS and CCRAS calendar of activities for 2024-25 was also launched during the event.
Deputy Director General, CCRAS, Dr. N. Srikanth, highlighted the unique scope that PRAGATI-2024 presents for collaboration between CCRAS and the industry. He emphasized that this platform provides an invaluable opportunity for research and collaboration, showcasing the vast potential of the Ayurveda and herbal industry and also mentioned the significant share India holds in this sector.
The event was well attended by CEO’s/ MD’s /Directors and Head of research units from 37 pharma Companies. Mrs. Kavita Garg, joint secretary, Ministry of Ayush and other senior officials of the ministry were also present during the event.
It may be noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always highlighted that Ayurveda is such a science whose philosophy and motto is- ‘सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः, सर्वे सन्तु निरामयः’ i.e., ‘May all be happy, may all be free from illness’.
“In other words, when a disease occurs, it is not a compulsion to treat it, but life should be free from diseases. The general concept is that we are healthy if there is no apparent disease. But the definition of being healthy is much wider as per Ayurveda. You all know that Ayurveda says सम दोष समाग्निश्च, सम धातु मल क्रियाः। प्रसन्न आत्मेन्द्रिय मनाः, स्वस्थ इति अभिधीयते i.e., the one whose body is balanced, all the activities are balanced, and the mind is happy, he is healthy. That’s why Ayurveda goes beyond treatment and talks about wellness and promotes wellness. The world is also now coming out of all the changes and trends and returning to this ancient philosophy of life”, the Prime Minister has argued.
For him, the biggest strength of the AYUSH industry is that there are different types of opportunities available for everyone. For example, about 40,000 MSMEs, small scale industries, are offering many different products and taking several initiatives in the field of AYUSH in India. It is giving a boost to the local economy.
The AYUSH industry in the country about eight years ago was around Rs 20,000 crore only. Today the AYUSH industry is around Rs 1.5 lakh crore. It means almost 7 times growth in 7-8 years.
It is a fact that AYUSH in itself is emerging as a big industry and a big economy. It is bound to expand further in the global market in the near future.
The market for global herbal medicine and spices is around 120 billion dollars i.e. around 10 lakh crore rupees. This sector of traditional medicine is continuously expanding and we should take full advantage of every possibility. A whole new sector of agriculture is opening up for the rural economy, for Indian farmers, and they can get very good prices. Lakhs of new jobs will be created for the youth in this sector.
