On 13th November, India observed National Ayurveda Day 2020. This is the 5th National Ayurveda day. Since 2016, the Ministry of AYUSH has been observing ‘Ayurveda Day’ every year on the occasion of Dhanwantari Jayanti (Dhanteras). As this year, Dhanteras 2020 has fallen on November 13, so that’s why Ayurveda Day 2020 was celebrated on November 13th.
Objectives of celebrating National Ayurveda Day
The main aim of the Government in observing the Day is to further promote Ayurveda into the mainstream healthcare system and to tap into the well known strengths of Ayurveda to address some of the serious public health challenges of the country.
Various efforts are taken up as part of the Ayurveda Day activities to contribute towards National Health Policy and various public health programmes. In addition, the Day also creates awareness among the youth about Ayurvedic principles of daily living.
National Ayurveda Day 2020
The National Ayurveda Day 2020 was observed on 13th November 2020 on occasion of Dhanwantari Jayanti (Dhanteras). PM Modi dedicated two future-ready Ayurveda institutions namely:
- Institute of Teaching & Research in Ayurveda (ITRA), Jamnagar
- National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA), Jaipur
Both the Institutes are premier institutions of Ayurveda in the country. ITRA, Jamnagar has been conferred the status of an Institution of National Importance (INI) by an Act of the Parliament, and NIA, Jaipur is an Institution Deemed to be University by the University Grants Commission.
National Ayurveda Day 2020: Theme
In view the prevailing Covid-19 situation, the main theme for the 5th National Ayurveda Day celebration is ‘Ayurveda for Covid-19’. The government wants to utilise the potential of Ayurveda in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.
NIA, Jaipur:
An Ayurveda institution with country wide repute, NIA got a shot in the arm with Deemed to be University (De novo Category) status. Inheritor of a 175-year legacy, NIA’s contribution to preserving, promoting and advancing authentic Ayurveda in the last few decades has been significant. Presently NIA possesses 14 different departments. The institute has a very good student teacher ratio with a total intake of 955 students and 75 faculties during 2019-20.
NIA Jaipur runs numerous courses in Ayurveda ranging from certificate to doctoral level. With state-of-the-art lab facilities, NIA has also been a pioneer in research activities. At present, it conducts 54 different research projects. With the conferring of Deemed to be University (De novo category), the National Institute is set to reach new heights by achieving highest standards in tertiary health care, education and research.
