THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR, DELHI
Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji,
Hon’ble Minister of State for Ayush & H&FW, Shri Prataprao Jadhav Ji,
Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, Padam Shri Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha Ji,
Director, All India Institute of Ayurveda, Prof. Pradeep Kumar Prajapati Ji,
Distinguished dignitaries, faculty members, vaidyas, researchers, scholars and students
Health-care, has always been, one of the defining measures, of a civilisation. Every society is judged, not only by the knowledge, it produces, but by how effectively, it applies that knowledge, to improve human well-being.
India has contributed immensely, to this intellectual tradition, and Ayurveda, remains one of its, most enduring legacies. Evolving over centuries, through observation, experience, and a deep understanding, of the relationship, between the individual, nature, and health, it continues, to hold relevance today.
It is therefore appropriate, that we gather today, to celebrate the legacy, of Acharya Sushruta, widely recognised as, one of the earliest pioneers, of surgery. His work demonstrated, that scientific inquiry, careful observation, and structured medical education, have long been, part of India’s intellectual tradition. His writings remind us, that the pursuit of medical knowledge demands both technical excellence, and ethical responsibility.
The significance of Saushrutam, extends beyond commemorating, a great physician. It provides a platform for dialogue, between history and contemporary medical science, established knowledge and emerging research, and India’s medical traditions, and the global scientific community.
Health-care today, is under-going profound trans-formation. Advances in artificial intelligence, digital health technologies, robotics, precision medicine, and bio-medical research, are re-shaping diagnosis, and patient care. Yet these developments remind us, that medicine must always remain, centred on the patient. Clinical judgement, compassion, ethical practice, and accessibility, continue to define, every effective healthcare system.
This is where, the continued relevance of Ayurveda, deserves attention. Across the world, health-care systems, are increasingly recognising, the importance of preventive care, holistic well-being, and lifestyle-based interventions, alongside modern medicine. Our objective, should not be, to view different systems of knowledge, in isolation, but to encourage rigorous research, evidence-based practice, and constructive dialogue, wherever they contribute, to better patient outcomes.
As our Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji has observed, “Ayurveda in India, has never been confined, to one era or one region; in every age, this ancient medical system, has shown the way, to understand life, create balance, and harmonize with nature.” This vision reminds us, of Ayurveda’s enduring relevance, and its continuing contribution, to patient welfare.
Institutions such as, the All India Institute of Ayurveda, have an important responsibility, in this regard. They must strengthen, scientific inquiry, promote quality education, and research, and generate robust clinical evidence, to enhance the credibility, and global acceptance of Ayurveda.
The Government of India, has placed increasing emphasis, on strengthening traditional systems of medicine, through institutional development, research, inter-national collaboration, and public outreach. The growing global interest, in Ayurveda, reflects recognition, that health-care benefits, from diverse approaches, grounded in scientific evaluation, and patient welfare.
I am encouraged to see, the participation of researchers, surgeons, academicians, and delegates from India, and abroad. Scientific progress, has always depended upon, the free exchange of ideas, and collaboration.
Young doctors, researchers, and students present, here today should remember: every generation inherits, a body of knowledge, from those, who came before it. Its responsibility is, not merely to preserve, that knowledge, but to strengthen it, through research, innovation, and a constant commitment, to improving patient care.
As we celebrate Sushruta Jayanti today, let us reaffirm, that the pursuit of knowledge, is a continuous journey. Institutions remain relevant, not by looking, only to the past, but by building upon, their legacy to address, the challenges of the future.
Thank you.
Jai Hind.