With its origins dating back over 5,000 years, Ayurveda has evolved into a holistic system of medicine that not only addresses physical ailments but also nurtures the harmony between mind, body, and spirit. In the diverse landscape of India, Ayurveda has thrived as a time-honoured healing tradition, offering a unique blend of natural remedies, dietary guidelines, and lifestyle practices that aim to restore balance and vitality. Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Ayurveda has experienced a renaissance, with renewed efforts to integrate its principles into modern healthcare, promote research, and position it as a beacon of holistic wellness on both national and international fronts.


Prime Minister Narendra Modi has underscored the significance of Ayurveda, portraying it not merely as a medical system but as an integral facet of Indian tradition and ethos—a veritable way of life. Recognising India as the birthplace of Ayurveda, PM Modi has expressed unwavering commitment to amplifying its global influence. India takes strides to expand Ayurveda's global footprint, which symbolises a harmonious blend of ancient wisdom and contemporary global wellness paradigms. Underlining a revolutionary shift towards wellness and prevention, PM Modi has reiterated the significance of integrated and holistic medicine systems for the overall health and wellness of the populace.


PM Modi took to X in 2021 to declare the WHO's decision to announce the setting up of the Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in India, which has encouraged students from various countries to come to India to study Ayurveda and traditional medicines.


Prime Minister Modi has steered the nation's health agenda towards comprehensive methodologies, intertwining integrated medicine systems to address contemporary health challenges. He has underlined the pivotal role of evidence-based research structures in the 21st century, stressing the importance of their contribution.


During the pandemic, the global demand for Ayurvedic products soared, registering a remarkable 45 per cent increase. Prime Minister Modi celebrated this surge as a testament to the newfound confidence in Indian spices, like ginger, turmeric, cloves etc.. and Ayurvedic solutions worldwide. He emphasised that during the then ongoing health crisis, the focus extended beyond the use of Ayurveda alone to encompass advanced research in Ayush, both within the country and globally.


Prime Minister Modi asserts that Ayurveda is no longer an alternative but a fundamental pillar of the country's national health policy and interventions. Congratulating the two premier Ayurveda Institutes, he urged them to pioneer new curricula aligned with emerging opportunities and challenges in modern medicine. Furthermore, he called upon the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MoHRD) and the University Grants Commission (UGC) to enhance postdoctoral and doctoral studies, positioning Ayurveda as a global leader through its contributions to the "Vocal for Local" initiative. Highlighting the imperative of wellness, Prime Minister Modi envisions the establishment of 1.5 lakh Health & Wellness Centres across the country as part of the Ayushman Bharat Yojana. Among these, 12,500 centres will specifically focus on Ayush Wellness, further promoting integrative medicine systems.


The Indian Government has exhibited commendable efforts in promoting alternative medicine, particularly through its support and development of traditional systems like Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy, collectively known as AYUSH. Several initiatives and policies underscore the government's commitment to integrating alternative medicine into the mainstream healthcare system.


In December 2022, the nation saw the establishment of three distinguished National Ayush Institutes specialising in Ayurveda, Homoeopathy, and Unani. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the All India Institute of Ayurveda in Goa, the National Institute of Unani Medicine in Ghaziabad, and the National Institute of Homoeopathy in Delhi.


During the closing ceremony of the 9th World Ayurveda Congress (WAC) in Panjim, Goa, Prime Minister Modi emphasised the need for ongoing efforts to document 'Data Based Evidence'. While acknowledging Ayurveda's positive outcomes, he noted a previous deficiency in supporting evidence. Stressing the importance of consolidating medical data, research, and journals to validate claims using modern scientific parameters, he urged the need for comprehensive evidence.


Amid the commencement event of World Food India in 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed, "India's sustainable food culture is the result of a journey of thousands of years. Our ancestors had linked Ayurveda with the food style of the common people. Just as international food culture was developed on the initiative of India, Yoga Day took Yoga to every corner of the world, similarly now Millets will also reach every corner of the world.".


Since 2016, the Ministry of Ayush has annually observed 'Ayurveda Day' on Dhanwantari Jayanti (Dhanteras), symbolising a commitment to the continued evolution and recognition of Ayurveda in the contemporary health landscape.


On the very same occasion, The Prime Minister of India posted on X:


“On the auspicious of Dhanteras, we also mark Ayurveda Day. It is an occasion to salute the innovators and practitioners who are blending this ancient knowledge with modernity, propelling Ayurveda to new heights globally. From groundbreaking research to dynamic startups, Ayurveda is furthering new paths to wellness. Supporting Ayurveda is also a vibrant example of being Vocal For Local.”


The government has also taken steps to enhance the global recognition of traditional Indian medicine. Ayurveda, in particular, has gained acknowledgement worldwide, with more than 30 countries recognising it as a traditional medical system. This international recognition is the result of diplomatic efforts, collaborations, and promotional activities undertaken by the government to showcase the efficacy of alternative medicine.


Furthermore, the integration of AYUSH into the mainstream healthcare framework is evident through various policies and initiatives. The launch of the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, which has already been successful in generating approximately 9.38 crore Ayushman Cards during 2023 as one of the world's largest healthcare schemes, includes coverage for traditional systems, making alternative medicine more accessible to a broader section of the population. PM Modi has also highlighted that Ayurveda goes beyond treatment, also emphasising wellness. He even expressed that the world is turning back to traditional medicine, with Yoga and Ayurveda offering new hope globally, thereby reflecting the immense growth of Medical tourism in India. The promotion of Medical Value Tourism, with a focus on Ayush, and the facilitation of Ayush Visas for those seeking health services further showcase the government's efforts to position India as a global leader in alternative medicine.


In conclusion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has played a pivotal role in promoting Ayurveda, spearheading government efforts to integrate traditional medicine into the mainstream healthcare system. The establishment of three National Ayush Institutes of Eminence, inaugurated by the Prime Minister, showcases a commitment to advancing education, research, and development in traditional systems like Ayurveda, Unani, and Homoeopathy. The government's comprehensive approach extends beyond domestic initiatives, as evidenced by the global promotion of Ayurveda. More than 30 countries recognising Ayurveda as a traditional medical system is a testament to diplomatic efforts and collaborations, positioning India as a leader in alternative medicine on the international stage. In tandem with these efforts, the government's focus on evidence-based practices is crucial for the credibility and acceptance of Ayurveda. Initiatives such as the emphasis on 'Data Based Evidence' demonstrate a commitment to modernising traditional practices, aligning them with contemporary scientific standards. The government's promotion of Medical Value Tourism, with an emphasis on Ayush, and the facilitation of Ayush Visa further underscore India's commitment to becoming a global hub for holistic healthcare. Collectively, these efforts reflect a holistic approach to healthcare, blending the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda with contemporary medical practices. Prime Minister Modi's leadership and the government's initiatives not only preserve India's rich cultural heritage but also position the country as a progressive force in the promotion of alternative medicine and medical tourism, contributing to the well-being of both its citizens and those seeking holistic healthcare solutions from around the world.

 

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PM Modi’s Vision Fuels Delhi’s Development
April 12, 2024

“Delhi has the good fortune to get an opportunity of keeping the flag of nations' prestige flying high.”
- PM Narendra Modi as Delhi prepared to host the G20 Summit

The last ten years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government have set in motion the creation of a New India—from rural to urban, from water to electricity, from houses to health, from education to employment, from castes to classes—a comprehensive plan bringing growth and prosperity to each doorstep.

The National Capital Territory of Delhi has emerged as a pivotal part of this dynamic developmental momentum spearheaded by PM Modi throughout this transformative decade.

The city has been at the heart of the infrastructural shift that has given a dedicated facelift to the entire nation. Today infrastructural marvels like Atal Setu, Chenab Bridge, Statue of Unity, and Zojila Tunnel dot India’s ever-evolving landscape.

With its focus on revamping transportation networks, upgrading urban amenities, and expanding digital infrastructure, the Modi government has launched an array of transformative initiatives. From railways, highways to airports, these initiatives have been key in galvanising inclusive and sustainable development across the length and breadth of the country.

The impressive expansion of the metro rail network has revolutionised urban commuting in India. From a mere 5 cities in 2014, the metro rail network now serves 21 cities across the nation—expanding from 248 km in 2014 to 945 km by 2024, with 919 km of lines under construction in 26 additional cities.

The Union Cabinet has recently approved two new corridors of Delhi Metro Phase-IV—Lajpat Nagar to Saket G-Block and Inderlok to Indraprastha. Both the lines have a combined length of over 20 kms with a project cost of over Rs. 8,000 crore (funding being sourced from the Union Govt, Govt of Delhi, and international agencies). The Inderlok- Indraprastha line will play a significant role in enhancing connectivity to the Bahadurgarh region of Haryana. Additionally, India’s first Namo Bharat train, operating on the Delhi-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridor further underlines the Modi government’s commitment to enhancing regional connectivity and upgrading its transportation infrastructure.

Further, the Bharatmala Pariyojana envisages improved logistics efficiency and connectivity via the development of nearly 35,000 km of National Highway corridors. 25 greenfield high-speed corridors have been planned under the plan out of which four intersect with Delhi’s growing infra capacity: Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway, Delhi-Saharanpur-Dehradun Expressway, and the Urban Extension Road-II. The total project length sanctioned for Delhi is 203 km with an allocation of over Rs. 18,000 crore.

Over the past decade, the Modi government has consistently dedicated efforts towards augmenting capacity and decongestion of airports. After the IGI Airport Delhi became the first airport in the country to have four runways and an elevated taxiway, the expanded state-of-the-art Terminal 1 has also been inaugurated recently. In addition, the upcoming Noida International Airport (Jewar) shall further contribute to decongestion of the Delhi airport which is serving millions of passengers annually.

Besides, the inauguration of the New Parliament has further added civilisational yet modern connotations to the city’s landscape. Inauguration of the Yashobhoomi (India International Convention & Expo Centre) has given Delhi India’s largest convention and exhibition centre, offering a mixed purpose tourism experience. Along with Yashobhoomi, the Bharat Mandapam, a world-class convention and exhibition centre, showcases India to the world.

In terms of welfare, the Modi government has launched several schemes benefitting people hitherto on the margins of growth and development. Women’s safety in Delhi has been a key concern. To address the same, the Modi government strengthened the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013 by increasing the quantum of punishment for rape, including capital punishment for rape of a girlchild below the age of 12.

The Union Home Ministry established a separate Women Safety Division back in 2018. One-stop centers, Sakhi Niwas, Safe City Project, Nirbhaya Fund, SHe-Box, Investigation Tracking System for Sexual Offences, and Cri-MAC (Crime Multi-Agency Center) among others are significant additions in the government’s campaign towards women safety.

In addition, Swachh Bharat Mission, PM Ujjwala Yojana, PM Matru Vandana Yojana, and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao have further led to the empowerment of Nari Shakti in India.

As India becomes the 3rd largest startup ecosystem in the world, Delhi is also contributing significantly towards this development. Today over 13,000 DPIIT-recognised startups are functioning in Delhi even as the government is promoting self-employment through PM MUDRA Yojana with over 2.3 lakh loans sanctioned worth over Rs. 3,000 crore for FY2023-24 (as on 26.01.2024).

PM SVANidhi, which provides collateral free loans to street vendors, is supporting over 1.67 lakh beneficiaries in Delhi. Further, under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana, launched in 2020 to incentivise employers for creation of new employment and restoration of loss of employment during Covid-19 pandemic, over 2.2 lakh employees benefitted in Delhi.

Further, nearly 30,000 houses have been sanctioned and completed in Delhi under PM Awas Yojana (Urban).

Air pollution has been a recurring problem for the people of Delhi. Conscious of this reality, the central government has launched the National Clean Air Programme as a national level strategy to reduce air pollution level across the country.

The Modi government's tenure over the last decade has brought about a remarkable transformation in Delhi across various fronts. From infrastructure development to governance reforms, from education to employment, the government's initiatives have left an indelible mark on the capital city. As Delhi continues on its journey of progress and development, the contributions of the Modi government are set to shape its future trajectory for years to come.