Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth holds 29th Convocation & Shishyopanayaniya Samskara Ceremony at BHU
Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth holds 29th Convocation & Shishyopanayaniya Samskara Ceremony at BHU
The 29th Convocation and Shishyopanayaniya Samskara Ceremony of Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth (RAV), an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, was held today at Swatantrata Bhawan, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi. The ceremony celebrated the achievements of scholars trained under the Certificate of Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth (CRAV) programme and reaffirmed the enduring Guru–Shishya tradition of Ayurveda.
Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush and Minister of State in the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, addressed the gathering through a virtual message as the Chief Guest.
In his address, Shri Jadhav said it was a matter of great pride to address such an august gathering of scholars in the sacred city of Kashi, the ancient seat of Ayurvedic knowledge and the land associated with Dhanvantari Divodasa, regarded as the originator of surgical science in Ashtanga Ayurveda. He paid tribute to Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, the founder of Banaras Hindu University, whose vision made BHU one of the historic centres of Ayurveda education.
The Minister emphasised that Ayurveda is not merely a system of medicine but a holistic knowledge system that offers comprehensive insights into health and life. He highlighted the significance of the Guru–Shishya tradition, which has preserved and transmitted Ayurvedic wisdom across generations. He noted that legendary figures such as Dhanvantari, Charaka, Sushruta, and Vagbhata emerged through this tradition.
Shri Jadhav appreciated the efforts of Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth in sustaining this tradition by enabling young physicians to learn directly from eminent and experienced Vaidyas through structured programmes such as CRAV and MRAV. He also commended the leadership of Padma Bhushan awardee Vaidya Devendra Triguna, President of the Governing Body of RAV, and Dr. Vandana Siroha, Director of RAV, for strengthening Ayurveda education and training.
Highlighting the growing reach of Ayush systems under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Minister said that Yoga and Ayush have gained global recognition and are increasingly contributing to India’s healthcare diplomacy. He stated that the Ministry of Ayush is working to strengthen education, research, and training in the recognised systems of traditional medicine—Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa, and Homoeopathy.
Addressing the graduating scholars, Shri Jadhav said the convocation marked not just an academic milestone but the beginning of a new responsibility. He urged them to integrate traditional knowledge with modern scientific research and contribute to making Ayurveda evidence-based and globally accepted. He also emphasised the importance of compassion, ethics, and soft skills in medical practice.
Padma Shri Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, congratulated the graduating scholars and encouraged them to actively engage in research and scientific writing, stressing that evidence-based studies are essential for strengthening the credibility and global acceptance of Ayush systems. He also highlighted the Ministry’s initiatives, including the development of All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) institutions and the upgradation of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre, aimed at advancing research and global collaboration in traditional medicine.
Prof. Ajit Kumar Chaturvedi, Vice Chancellor of Banaras Hindu University, emphasised the need for students to maintain academic focus and dedication while contributing to the advancement of the Ayush sector.
Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri awardee Vaidya Devendra Triguna, President of the Governing Body of RAV, expressed satisfaction that the institution has been fulfilling its vision of producing skilled Ayurvedic practitioners. He noted that the future of the Ayush sector is promising, with increasing numbers of colleges and universities dedicated to traditional medicine. He encouraged young practitioners to feel proud of the title “Vaidya” and to contribute to the global recognition of Ayurveda.
Earlier, Dr. Vandana Siroha, Director of Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth, welcomed the dignitaries and participants and highlighted the institution’s role in promoting advanced training and preserving the Guru–Shishya lineage of Ayurveda.
The ceremony was attended by several distinguished dignitaries, including Dr. Manisha Upendra Kothekar, Chairperson, National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM); Prof. S. N. Sankhwar, Director, Institute of Medical Sciences, BHU; Prof. Amit Patra, Director, IIT (BHU); and Prof. (Dr.) P. K. Goswami, Dean, Faculty of Ayurveda, BHU.
On the occasion, Lifetime Achievement Awards were conferred upon eminent personalities for their outstanding contributions to Ayurveda, including Vaidya Nirmala Sharma, Keval Krishna Thakral, and Girdhari Lal Mishra.
Several other distinguished scholars and practitioners who were also awarded with Fellow of RAV include Vaidya Yogendra Kumar Sharma, Vaidya Dinesh Chandra Katoch, Vaidya Tanuja Manoj Nesri, Vaidya Bhrigupati Pandey, Vaidya Murlidhar Sharma, Vaidya B. Srinivas Prasad, Vaidya Umesh Shukla, Vaidya Milind Kulkarni, Vaidya P. K. Goswami, Vaidya M. Mohan Alva, Vaidya P. L. T. Girija, Vaidya Rama Jaysundar, and Vaidya Vaidhnav Pradip U.
The event marked an important milestone in promoting traditional knowledge and reaffirmed the Ministry of Ayush’s commitment to advancing Ayurveda as a globally respected healthcare system.
