‘Ayurveda’: India’s Ancient Wealth of Knowledge – N. Ramchander Rao, BJP Telangana State President

Hyderabad: BJP Telangana State President, N. Ramchander Rao, urged everyone to respect and incorporate Ayurveda—India’s ancient way of life and wealth of knowledge—as well as other traditional medical practices, into their daily lives. He spoke at a program organised to mark the 11th Ayurveda Day.

Speaking on the occasion, N. Ramchander Rao commended the Central Government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for establishing the ‘AYUSH’ (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy) department to restore the past glory of Indian traditional medical systems.

He noted that significant funds are now being allocated to encourage both treatment and research in the AYUSH sector. He further highlighted that Yoga, introduced in ancient times by Maharshi Patanjali, has evolved into the International Day of Yoga and is garnering widespread acclaim worldwide. He noted that during his recent visit to the University of Limerick in Ireland, faculty members shared how they had overcome long-standing health issues through yoga—a testament to the global recognition Indian knowledge has garnered. He expressed pride that yoga classes are being conducted through Indian embassies worldwide.

He stated that no medical system is inferior to another; each holds its own unique significance. He highlighted how Indian medicine continues to prove its efficacy—ranging from the immensely popular ‘Zinda Tilismath’ in Hyderabad to the recommendation of Ayurvedic herbs even within modern medical practice. He recalled that Ayurveda offers unparalleled treatment for conditions like jaundice and noted that even allopathic doctors recommended Ayurvedic decoctions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rao pointed out that historical evidence clearly shows the roots of modern medical procedures—such as surgery and organ transplantation—lie in ancient India. However, he expressed regret that our indigenous medical knowledge suffered severe neglect and destruction during the eras of British and Mughal rule.

Emphasising the adage “Health is Wealth,” he highlighted Ayurveda's unique role in preventive healthcare—focusing on staying vigilant to prevent illness rather than seeking treatment only after a disease has set in. He noted that people today are embracing Ayurveda not merely as medical treatment but as a holistic, healthy lifestyle. He emphasised that continuous research is crucial to the enduring success of any medical system and expressed hope that research would continue in Ayurveda.

N. Ramchander Rao recalled his personal experience of visiting the campus to support Ayurveda students when they were agitating for a justified hike in their stipends. He said it was commendable that students fought for and secured their rights through appropriate means, and he expressed happiness that the state government had accepted their demands. He also hoped that medical students and the youth would elevate Indian medical science to greater heights in the future.

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VRC Phaniharan

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