Ayurveda Day 2024: PM Modi's Rs 12,850 Cr Health Initiative

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched health initiatives worth nearly Rs 12,850 crore, coinciding with the ninth Ayurveda Day and the festival of Dhanteras. Ayurveda Day, observed annually on Dhanteras, marks Dhanvantri Jayanti. The ninth Ayurveda Day is celebrated on October 29, 2024.

Historical Significance & Celebration

Ayurveda Day observed annually on Dhanteras, marking Dhanvantri Jayanti
9th Ayurveda Day celebrated on October 29, 2024
Dhanvantri, divine physician and Vishnu incarnation, depicted with four hands
Origins traced back to 5000-1000 BCE in Vedic texts
First formal Ayurveda course started in 1827 at Government Sanskrit College, Calcutta
Knowledge spread internationally through ancient universities like Takshashila and Nalanda
Influenced Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Tibetan, and Chinese medical systems
Government initiated Ayurveda Day celebrations in 2016
Theme for 2024: "Ayurveda Innovations for Global Health"
Celebrations extended to over 150 countries worldwide

PM Modi's Major Health Initiatives

Launched projects worth Rs 12,850 crore

Inaugurated Phase II of All India Institute of Ayurveda, including:

- Dedicated Panchakarma hospital
- Ayurvedic pharmacy
- Sports medicine unit
- IT and start-ups incubation centre
- 500-seat auditorium

Established four Ayush Centres of Excellence at:

- IISc Bengaluru (diabetes research)
- IIT Delhi (sustainable solutions)
- CDRI Lucknow (fundamental research)
- JNU New Delhi (systems medicine)

Foundation stones laid for:

- Two Central Research Institutes in Yoga and Naturopathy (Odisha and Chhattisgarh)
- Five nursing colleges in Madhya Pradesh
- Three medical colleges in Madhya Pradesh

Ayurveda's Evolution and Modern Status

Developed into complete medical system around 1000 BCE
Key texts include Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita
Organized around eight medical specialties
Brhattrayi (Great Trio) formed basis of Ayurvedic literature
Significant contributions by scholar Nagarjuna in 9th century CE

Modern development includes:

- Structured educational framework
- Undergraduate to doctoral programs
- Strong practitioner and manufacturer network
- Improved infrastructure in public and private sectors
- Focus on women's health and workplace wellness
- Integration with modern healthcare systems
- Emphasis on global health innovation

NDA First Female Cadets Batch 2025

In a groundbreaking moment for gender equality in the Indian armed forces, the NDA's first female cadets, batch 2025, officially graduated on Thursday, May 29, 2025, from the prestigious Natio

Vishwanath Karthikey 7 Summits Journey

On May 27, 2025, Vishwanath Karthikey Padakanti, a 16-year-old boy from Hyderabad, etched his name in the history books by becoming the youngest Indian mountaineer to complete the legendary Vishwa

Indian Air Force Defence Projects Delay

The Indian Air Force defense projects play a pivotal role in India’s overall defense strategy, with air power being a cornerstone of military operations. However, recent statements by Air

9000 HP Electric Locomotive in India

In a landmark event that marks a leap forward for Indian Railways, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the 9000 HP electric locomotive India has indigenously developed. This powerful single-u

MSP Hike for Farmers 2025 Announced

The Union Cabinet has greenlit a significant MSP hike for farmers in 2025, raising prices for paddy and 13 other key Kharif crops to improve agricultural income. This decision was announce

AI video scam in Karnataka

In a shocking revelation, an AI video scam in Karnataka has duped over 200 unsuspecting victims using a deepfake video of Donald Trump, luring them into a fake investment scheme. This incident

BrahMos Missile Deployment and Impact Analysis

In a significant development in India's defense preparedness, the Operation Sindoor BrahMos missile deployment has showcased the country’s advanced military capabilities. Conducted ag

Online Betting Regulation in India

In a major legal development, the Supreme Court of India has issued a notice to the Central Government seeking its stand on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that demands the online betting regul

Top ISRO Women Scientists

In a significant update from the Indian space sector, ISRO chairman V. Narayanan recently revealed that women currently comprise around 20% of ISRO's workforce. He emphasized the need to incr

India at 78th World Health Assembly

India, at the 78th World Health Assembly, reaffirmed the nation's evolving leadership in global health equity and policy. Represented by Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava, India