Hyderabad: Union Minister G Kishan Reddy encouraged everyone involved in healthcare to blend India’s ancient medical practices with modern science. He spoke at the National Ayurveda Conference–2025 in Hyderabad, organized by the Vishwa Ayurveda Parishad and its Telangana Chapter. The event gathered experts to discuss Ayurveda’s future both in India and worldwide.
Reddy applauded the organizers for their dedication to promoting Ayurveda over the years. He emphasized Ayurveda’s role in maintaining wellness and balance in life, sharing that he personally relied on Ayurvedic remedies during his school years, reflecting his strong belief in its effectiveness.
The minister acknowledged Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts since 2014 in reviving Ayurveda, which had been neglected in the past. He praised India’s historical contributions to medicine by figures like Charaka, Sushruta, and Vagbhatta, who laid the groundwork for early medical practices.
He mentioned that past governments overlooked Ayurveda, but under Modi’s leadership, it is gaining international importance. The creation of the Ministry of AYUSH in 2014 marked a significant shift, with Modi promoting global recognition of both Ayurveda and Yoga. This led to the establishment of International Yoga Day on June 21, celebrated by 177 countries.
Reddy highlighted Ayurveda’s impact during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in boosting immunity with traditional remedies like turmeric and Giloy. Despite gloomy predictions about India’s vulnerability, Ayurveda played a crucial role in safeguarding the nation’s 140 crore population.
The minister pointed out obstacles from multinational pharmaceutical companies trying to undermine Ayurveda and Yoga. He urged practitioners to see Ayurveda as a national asset and work together to protect and promote it.
Reddy detailed government initiatives under the National AYUSH Mission (NAM), including building 50-bed integrated AYUSH hospitals in Siddipet, Vikarabad, and Jayashankar Bhupalpally districts, with Rs 15 crore allocated for each. He urged the Telangana government to speed up land acquisition for a similar hospital in Ramanthapur, Hyderabad.
He noted that Telangana has 420 AYUSH Health and Wellness Centers and 440 dispensaries offering Ayurvedic, Unani, and Homeopathic services. Nationwide, 7.5 lakh registered AYUSH practitioners support the vision of a healthy India.
Reddy encouraged intellectuals and practitioners to publish their research globally and expand Ayurveda’s reach to remote areas. He stressed that fostering a healthy India is essential for the country’s goal of development by 2047, with AYUSH being a key component.
Inspired by the saying, “Health is the greatest blessing,” Reddy called for unity and collective effort to elevate Ayurveda as a global leader in wellness and healing.
