The Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (ITRA), an Institute of National Importance at Jamnagar under the Ministry of Ayush, has entered into a five-year Memorandum of Understanding with the Heartfulness Institute (HFI) based in Kanha Shanti Vanam, Hyderabad. The MoU was signed in August 2026 by Prof. Tanuja Nesari, Director of ITRA, and Shri Kumar Kannan representing the Heartfulness Institute.
The collaboration framework leverages ITRA's strengths in Ayurvedic education, clinical practice, and research combined with HFI's expertise in meditation, yoga, lifestyle practices, and ecological initiatives. Key areas of cooperation include national and international collaborative research, student and faculty exchange programs, academic programs, knowledge sharing, capacity building, innovation, and intellectual property development. The partnership will specifically support research and academic cooperation in disease prevention and integrative wellness.
The collaboration was highlighted during a Stakeholders' Consultative Meeting held at Kanha Shanti Vanam, attended by Union Minister of State for Ayush Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Padma Bhushan Daji, Dr. Srinivas (Member of NITI Aayog), Padma Shri Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha (Secretary, Ministry of Ayush), and senior representatives from NITI Aayog and States and Union Territories. The partnership aligns with the Ministry of Ayush's broader efforts to advance evidence-based research, preventive healthcare, quality education, and the global promotion of Ayurveda while fostering holistic health and sustainable development.