PM’s reply in Rajya Sabha to the motion of thanks on the President’s Address

Shri Rajendra Arlekar, Governor of Kerala, all the dignitaries associated with Arya Vaidya Sala, ladies and gentlemen,

It is a pleasure for me to join you all on this solemn occasion. Arya Vaidyasala has played a significant role in preserving, protecting, and advancing Ayurveda. In its 125-year journey, this institution has established Ayurveda as a powerful system of treatment. On this occasion, I remember the contributions of Arya Vaidyasala's founder, Vaidyaratnam P.S. Varier. His approach to Ayurveda and his dedication to public welfare continue to inspire us.

Friends,

Arya Vaidyasala in Kerala is a living symbol of India's healing tradition, which has served humanity for centuries. Ayurveda in India has not been confined to any one era or region. Throughout time, this ancient system of medicine has shown the way to understand life, achieve balance, and live in harmony with nature. Today, Arya Vaidyasala manufactures over 600 Ayurvedic medicines. The organization's hospitals in various parts of the country treat patients using Ayurvedic methods, including those from over 60 countries around the world. Arya Vaidyasala has built this trust through its work. When people are in pain, all of you become a great source of hope for them.

Friends,

For Arya Vaidya Sala, service is not just an idea, this spirit is also visible in their action, approach and institutions. The Charitable Hospital of the organization has been continuously serving the people for the last 100 years, 100 years is not a small time, for 100 years. Everyone associated with the hospital has contributed in this. I also congratulate the Vaidyas, doctors, nursing staff and all others of the hospital. You all deserve congratulations for completing the 100 years journey of the Charitable Hospital. The people of Kerala have kept the traditions of Ayurveda alive for centuries. You are preserving and promoting those traditions as well.

Friends,

For a long time, ancient medical systems in the country were viewed in silos. Over the last 10-11 years, this approach has undergone a significant shift. Healthcare is now being viewed holistically. We have brought Ayurveda, Unani, Homeopathy, Siddha, and Yoga under one umbrella, and a Ministry of AYUSH has been specifically created for this purpose. We have consistently focused on preventive health. With this vision, the National AYUSH Mission was launched, and more than 12,000 AYUSH Wellness Centers were opened, providing yoga, preventive care, and community health services. We have also connected other hospitals in the country with AYUSH services and focused on the regular supply of AYUSH medicines. The objective is clear: to ensure that people in every corner of the country benefit from the knowledge of India's traditional medicine.

Friends,

The government's policies have clearly shown an impact on the AYUSH sector. The AYUSH manufacturing sector has grown rapidly and expanded. To promote Indian traditional wellness to the world, the government has established the AYUSH Export Promotion Council. Our effort is to promote AYUSH products and services in global markets. We are seeing its very positive impact. In the year 2014, AYUSH and herbal products worth approximately Rs 3 thousand crores were exported from India. Now, AYUSH and herbal products worth Rs 6500 crores are being exported from India. The farmers of the country are also getting huge benefits from this.

Friends,

Today, India is also emerging as a trusted destination for AYUSH-based medical value travel. Therefore, we have taken steps like the AYUSH Visa. This is providing better access to AYUSH medical facilities to people coming from abroad.

Friends,

To promote ancient medical systems like Ayurveda, the government is proudly showcasing it on every major platform. Whether it's the BRICS summit or the G-20 meeting, wherever I got the opportunity, I presented Ayurveda as a medium for holistic health. The World Health Organization (WHO)'s Global Traditional Medicine Centre is also being established in Jamnagar, Gujarat. The Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda has started functioning in Jamnagar itself. To meet the growing demand for Ayurvedic medicines, medicinal farming is also being promoted on the banks of the river Ganga.

Friends,

Today, I want to share with you another achievement of the country. You all know that a historic trade agreement has just been announced with the European Union. I am happy to inform you that this trade agreement will provide a major boost to Indian traditional medicine services and practitioners. In EU member states where regulations do not exist, our AYUSH practitioners will be able to provide their services based on their professional qualifications acquired in India. This will greatly benefit our youth associated with Ayurveda and Yoga. This agreement will also help in establishing AYUSH wellness centers in Europe. I congratulate all of you associated with Ayurveda and AYUSH on this agreement.

Friends,

Ayurveda has been used for treatment in India for centuries. However, it is unfortunate that we have to explain the importance of Ayurveda to people, both in the country and abroad. A major reason for this is the lack of evidence-based research and research papers. When the Ayurvedic system is tested on the principles of science, people's faith is strengthened. Therefore, I am happy that Arya Vaidya Shala has continuously tested Ayurveda on the touchstone of science and research. It is working in collaboration with institutions like CSIR and IIT. Drug research, clinical research, and cancer care have also been your focus. Establishing a Centre of Excellence for Cancer Research, in collaboration with the Ministry of AYUSH, is an important step in this direction.

Friends,

Now, we must increase the use of modern technology and AI in Ayurveda to adapt to the changing times. Much innovation can be done to diagnose disease and develop different treatments.

Friends,

Arya Vaidya Shala has demonstrated that tradition and modernity can coexist, and that healthcare can become a foundation of trust in people's lives. This institution has adapted to modern needs while preserving the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda. Treatment has been streamlined and services have been made accessible to patients. I once again congratulate Arya Vaidya Shala on this inspiring journey. I wish that this institution continues to improve people's lives with the same dedication and spirit of service in the years to come. Thank you very much.