Daijiworld Media Network - Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 28: Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised India’s ancient healing tradition of Ayurveda on Wednesday, calling it a timeless system that has guided humanity across regions and eras. He was speaking via video message during the centenary celebrations of Kerala’s Arya Vaidya Sala Charitable Hospital, marking 125 years of service.
“Ayurveda has always shown us how to live in balance and harmony with nature,” the Prime Minister said. He emphasized the need to modernize Ayurveda by integrating technology and artificial intelligence while preserving its preventive health focus, a goal reflected in initiatives like the National AYUSH Mission and the network of over 12,000 AYUSH wellness centres across India.
PM Modi lauded the contributions of the hospital’s founder, Vaidyaratnam PS Varier, and described Arya Vaidya Sala as a “living symbol of India’s traditional medicine,” producing over 600 Ayurvedic medicines and treating patients from more than 60 countries. He credited its century-long charitable service for establishing trust in the institution.
Highlighting India’s holistic approach to traditional medicine, the Prime Minister noted that the creation of the Ministry of AYUSH has unified Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy under one framework. This, he said, has enabled greater access to medicines, preventive care, and community health services nationwide.
PM Modi also drew attention to the growing global impact of Indian wellness practices. He mentioned the Ayush Export Promotion Council, which has helped raise exports of Ayurvedic and herbal products from Rs 3,000 crore in 2014 to ?6,500 crore today, benefiting farmers and practitioners alike. India is also emerging as a hub for Ayush-based medical value travel, supported by initiatives like the Ayush Visa, and has presented traditional medicine on global platforms such as the BRICS and G20 summits.
Several modern developments were highlighted, including the WHO’s Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar, the establishment of a Centre of Excellence for cancer research, and the promotion of medicinal plant farming along the Ganga river. PM Modi also praised the recent EU trade agreement, which enables qualified Indian AYUSH practitioners to offer services in Europe and expand wellness centres abroad.
The Prime Minister commended Arya Vaidya Sala for blending tradition with science through collaborations with institutions such as CSIR and IIT, focusing on drug research, clinical studies, and cancer care. He urged further integration of AI and technology to advance disease prediction and innovative treatment methods.
Kerala governor Rajendra V. Arlekar and other dignitaries attended the centenary event. PM Modi concluded by congratulating the hospital staff, doctors, and vaidyas, wishing the institution continued success in improving lives through dedication and service.