Ayurveda as a Global wellness hub

Union Minister Kishan Reddy stated that Ayurveda is poised to become a global wellness hub in the coming days, and the central government is taking numerous steps in that direction. Kishan Reddy participated in the National Ayurveda Conference 2025 held in Hyderabad on Saturday. He commended the Vishwa Ayurveda Parishad, Telangana chapter, for their three decades of efforts in raising public awareness about Ayurveda. He called for Ayurveda to be viewed not just as a medical system, but as a complete philosophy related to wellness, and physical and mental balance in the Indian way of life.

Speaking on the occasion, Kishan Reddy emphasized the need to educate the world about the history and greatness of Ayurveda. He recalled the significant contributions of great sages like Sushruta, Charaka, and Vagbhata in surgery, physiology, and therapy. He mentioned that texts like Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita have served as guiding lights for the global medical community. He elaborated on the changes that have occurred since the formation of the Modi government in 2014, which brought about a resurgence of Ayurveda. He recalled the Prime Minister's efforts in establishing the Ministry of AYUSH and in securing recognition for June 21st as International Yoga Day. He explained that during the COVID-19 pandemic, Yoga and Ayurveda served as alternative preventive measures for the world, and Ayurvedic methods provided reassurance to the public.

Growing International importance

Kishan Reddy stated that while Western countries feared 500 million deaths in India during the COVID-19 pandemic, 1.4 billion people were kept safe by relying on Ayurveda. He noted that the international use of Indian herbs like Giloy and turmeric has increased. He mentioned that the central government has taken several measures to develop the AYUSH sector in Telangana state. He said that under the National AYUSH Mission, the construction of 50-bed AYUSH hospitals has been completed in the Siddipet, Vikarabad, and Jayashankar Bhupalpally districts. He requested the state government to expedite land acquisition for the construction of an integrated AYUSH hospital in Ramanthapur. Currently, 420 AYUSH Health and Wellness Centers are providing services to the public in Telangana. He added that 440 AYUSH dispensaries and 366 dispensaries are operational across the state. He noted that 750,000 registered AYUSH practitioners are playing a key role in building a healthy India.

It is our responsibility to protect it

Kishan Reddy said that the central government is moving forward with strong policies for the development of the Ayurveda sector. He mentioned that the AYUSH sector, which was worth 3 billion dollars in 2014, has grown to 24 billion dollars in just ten years. He said that the international demand for Indian Ayurvedic-based products has increased. He explained that startups and nutraceutical companies are bringing recognition to the Indian brand in the global market. He advised Ayurvedic doctors to share their knowledge with the world by publishing research in international magazines and journals. He cited the establishment of AYUSH Centers of Excellence in premier educational institutions like IITs, JNU, and IIS as an example of this. He expressed his concern that multinational pharma companies and allopathic medicine lobbies are currently conspiring against Ayurveda and Yoga. He stated that everyone needs to work to counter these lobbies. He stressed that it is the responsibility of all Indians to protect Ayurveda, regardless of politics. He noted that all sections of society need to support Ayurvedic promoters like Ramdev who are facing obstacles.

Usage in over a hundred countries

He said that Ayurveda is used in over a hundred countries worldwide and has now become India's "soft power." He explained that the central government is working to promote medical tourism through AYUSH visas. He stated that a healthy India is a key component in achieving the goal of a developed India by 2047, and the Ministry of AYUSH will be a major pillar. He said that by giving priority to AYUSH in the new national education policy, the central government is making Ayurveda more accessible to future generations. He explained that services are being extended at the grassroots level through the establishment of AYUSH villages across the country. He called upon intellectuals and researchers from the Ayurveda field to share their research and innovations at international forums. He clarified that it is the responsibility of every individual to protect and develop Ayurveda as a national treasure, a lifestyle, and a culture.