President of India Droupadi Murmu inaugurated 'Saushrutam 2026' at the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in New Delhi on July 15, 2026, coinciding with Sushruta Jayanti. The President also inaugurated the MRI section of AIIA during the ceremony. The event celebrates Acharya Sushruta, recognized as the father of surgery, who pioneered numerous complex surgical procedures centuries ago including plastic surgery, cataract surgery, tumor treatment, and ENT surgery through his work Sushruta Samhita.
The President emphasized the government's efforts to establish Ayurveda and Yoga on the global stage with renewed vigor, specifically noting initiatives to validate the ancient tradition of surgery using scientific benchmarks. She highlighted that standardized documentation, digital health integration, and modern scientific research techniques will bolster the system's widespread global acceptance. Murmu advised young students and researchers to advance along the path of practical research and evidence generation guided by curiosity, integrity, and scientific temper while utilizing new technologies where appropriate.
The three-day international seminar hosted by AIIA will bring together eminent surgeons, academicians, and researchers from India and other countries. The President expressed confidence that the deliberations will produce new knowledge and strengthen international cooperation in Ayurvedic surgery, enhancing Ayurveda's contribution to the holistic healthcare system. The President urged participants to follow Acharya Sushruta's path while remaining committed to medical ethics and compassionate patient service.