The Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (ITRA), Jamnagar, under the Ministry of Ayush, is organizing a two-day national symposium titled 'Ayutech Navonmesh 2026' on October 15-16, 2026, to mark the Institute's Sixth Foundation Day. The event's central theme is 'Application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Ayurveda', aiming to explore opportunities for advancing research, innovation and healthcare services through integration of traditional Ayurvedic knowledge with modern digital technologies.
Event Details and Participants
The symposium will be held under the leadership of Prof. (Dr.) Tanuja Nesari, Director of ITRA. Hon'ble Member of Parliament Smt. Poonamben Madam will attend as Chief Guest, with participation from Mr. Sameer Pujari, Head of Data, Digital Health, Analytics and Artificial Intelligence at WHO Switzerland, and Dr. Shyama Kuruvilla, Director of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre. Other distinguished guests include Prof. Shailendra Saraf, Director of NIPER Gandhinagar; Dr. Mansi Deshpande, Vice-Chancellor of Gujarat Ayurved University; and Dr. Manoj Nesari, former Adviser (Ayurveda) at Ministry of Ayush.
Symposium Focus and Objectives
The event will feature expert lectures, academic discussions, deliberations on research and technological collaboration, institutional recognitions and cultural programmes. Special emphasis will be placed on ethical, scientific and practical applications of AI in Ayurvedic research, drug development, quality assurance, medical education and healthcare services. Prof. Nesari emphasized that connecting traditional knowledge with modern scientific and data-driven approaches could contribute meaningfully to Ayurveda advancement and public healthcare strengthening.
ITRA Institutional Background
ITRA was dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 15, 2020, as the first institution to receive Institution of National Importance status in Ayurveda. The Institute operates a 300-bed hospital accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH), serving approximately 1,000 patients daily through its Outpatient Department. Since establishment, ITRA has provided consultation and treatment to 18,47,807 patients through OPD and 27,520 patients through inpatient care. Currently, 20 OPDs function across various departments, with weekly OPD services at eight locations across Jamnagar city and district.
The Institute houses six laboratories accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) with modern scientific instruments, plus dedicated facilities for yoga and naturopathy. ITRA has signed Memoranda of Understanding with 27 institutions (18 national and 9 international) and maintains an Ayurveda library with over 30,000 books and 5,000 manuscripts. The Institute also operates an animal house facility for medical and pharmaceutical research compliant with prescribed standards.