The All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi, an autonomous institute under the Ministry of Ayush, has launched 'AyurVarta', a special digital dialogue series aimed at taking authentic knowledge, scientific perspectives and contemporary relevance of Ayurveda to wider audiences in India and abroad. The initiative was launched ahead of Ayurveda Day, which will be observed on 23 September 2026.
The inaugural episode featured a discussion between Professor (Vaidya) P. K. Prajapati, Director of AIIA, and Professor (Dr.) Mahesh Vyas, Dean, Ph.D. at AIIA, on the theme 'Why is Ayurveda Day celebrated on 23 September?' The discussion traced the evolution of Ayurveda Day, which was earlier observed on Dhanvantari Jayanti (Dhanteras), and highlighted the Government's decision to designate 23 September as the fixed date for its annual observance.
Professor Prajapati stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sustained efforts are being made to strengthen Ayurveda as an important knowledge and healthcare system with growing relevance in the global health landscape. He noted that the observance of Ayurveda Day on a fixed date will provide greater consistency and a stronger national and international identity to the annual celebration.
Professor Vyas highlighted the significance of 23 September, which falls around the Autumnal Equinox when the duration of day and night is approximately equal. He explained that the idea of balance and equilibrium is central to the Ayurvedic understanding of health and well-being, providing a conceptual association with Ayurveda's emphasis on balance, harmony and equilibrium.
Future episodes of 'AyurVarta' will explore a wide range of subjects including scientific foundations of Ayurveda and contemporary research, Ayurveda education, public health, innovation and technology, integration with modern medical sciences, medicinal plants and natural resources, healthy lifestyles and preventive healthcare, global health, international opportunities, and evidence-based Ayurveda. The series will be disseminated through AIIA's official digital and social media platforms including YouTube, Facebook, X and Instagram.