Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush and Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, chaired the 27th Meeting of the Governing Body of the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) in New Delhi on August 6, 2026. As President of the Governing Body, Jadhav virtually inaugurated three major infrastructure projects: the Animal House at CCRAS-Regional Ayurveda Research Institute (RARI) in Pune, the Staff Quarters Complex at RARI in Ranikhet, and performed the Bhoomi Poojan for a new 50-bedded Ayurveda Hospital at RARI in Nagpur.
The minister launched three flagship digital initiatives: CCRAS-PARAMPARA for systematic documentation, evaluation and scientific validation of India's Local Health Traditions, ethnomedical practices and traditional veterinary knowledge; the CCRAS National Research Recognitions portal comprising CCRAS PRAKASA, CCRAS NAVONMESA and CCRAS PRABODH 3MT, a fully digital platform to recognize excellence in postgraduate Ayurveda research, innovation and scientific communication; and Ayur-dict, CCRAS's first Android application integrating multiple Ayurveda dictionaries into a single searchable platform.
Jadhav emphasized that Ayurveda stands at a transformative era where scientific validation, innovation and global outreach must complement traditional knowledge systems. He stressed that the future of Ayurveda lies in technology, research and innovation, calling for greater collaboration with international organizations, translational research, and leveraging emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence for clinical research and data management while preserving classical Ayurvedic principles. The minister specifically urged young researchers, startups, and entrepreneurs to take Ayurveda from laboratories to marketplace through initiatives like a Youth Research Fund, Ayurveda Startup Accelerator, and Global Ayurveda Challenge.
Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, reiterated the ministry's commitment to strengthening a research-driven ecosystem with quality infrastructure, digital innovation and scientific excellence. Prof. (Vaidya) Rabinarayan Acharya, Director General of CCRAS, presented the Council's achievements and future roadmap, emphasizing commitment to creating a research ecosystem where classical Ayurvedic knowledge is strengthened through modern science and digital innovation. The meeting was attended by Governing Body members, senior Ministry of Ayush officials, and CCRAS scientists, with discussions focused on enhancing research capacity, academic excellence, and knowledge accessibility for the global scientific community.