Special Report- Suryansh singh
Dehradun/Haridwar – From being revered as the ‘Devbhoomi’ (Land of the Gods), Uttarakhand is now envisioning a transformation into the ‘AYUSH Bhoomi’—a land rooted in ancient wellness sciences yet aligned with global health trends. Under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, the state has launched a mission to evolve into a leading AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) hub.
As a pivotal step in this direction, newly appointed Secretary of the AYUSH and AYUSH Education Department, Dipendra Chaudhary (IAS), recently conducted a comprehensive inspection of the historic Rishikul and Gurukul campuses under the Uttarakhand Ayurved University. Far from a routine administrative visit, this inspection signals a paradigm shift towards revival, reform, and reinvention of AYUSH education and services in the state.
Heritage in Focus: Reviving Rishikul and Gurukul
Established in 1919 by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya (Rishikul) and in 1921 by Swami Shraddhanand (Gurukul), these campuses are pillars of Ayurvedic education in India. Secretary Chaudhary, along with Registrar Ramji Sharan Sharma (Senior PCS), explored the campus facilities and directed the university administration to formulate a master plan to upgrade these institutions into world-class centers of AYUSH learning and research.
Employee Engagement: Open Dialogue and Quick Redressal
During the visit, the Secretary interacted directly with faculty members, administrative staff, and doctors. Major issues including delayed promotions, pending salaries, and administrative inefficiencies were candidly discussed. Chaudhary assured immediate redressal, setting a tone of transparent and responsive governance.
Complying with MSR Norms: Reform with Accountability
The National Commission for Indian System of Medicine’s Minimum Standards Requirements (MSR) formed a crucial part of the review. From essential faculty and medical infrastructure to hygienic canteens, upgraded labs, and administrative clarity, Secretary Chaudhary emphasized a targeted action plan to meet all parameters. The goal: quality AYUSH education and services that are globally competitive, transparent, and free from corruption.
Kerala Model Inspiration: Panchakarma & Wellness Tourism Take Center Stage
Recognizing the rising global demand for Panchakarma and Ayurvedic detox therapies, the Secretary advocated for developing Uttarakhand into a wellness tourism destination, akin to Kerala. He directed Panchakarma departments to prepare strategic proposals for promoting Ayurvedic wellness centers tailored to domestic and international clients.
Pharmaceutical Push: Modern Labs and Startup Ecosystem
Chaudhary visited local pharmaceutical units and herbal processing facilities, engaging with entrepreneurs and observing their technologies and business models. He emphasized the importance of equipping university-run pharmacies with high-tech machinery and lab infrastructure, and indicated policy-level support for fostering AYUSH-based startups and innovations in the sector.
AYUSH at the Grassroots: Making Ayurveda Household-Friendly
In line with the Central Government’s vision to bring Ayurveda into the daily life of common citizens, the Secretary proposed health awareness programs in schools, seasonal wellness camps, and yoga sessions for children, women, and senior citizens. The objective is simple yet profound—mainstream Ayurveda in lifestyle, not just in clinics.
Reviving Guru-Shishya Tradition: Preserving Ancient Wisdom
One of the most culturally resonant initiatives discussed was the revival of the Guru-Shishya tradition. The Secretary emphasized the need to bridge ancient wisdom and modern education by organizing seminars, workshops, and interactions with senior Vaidyas, ensuring their knowledge is transferred to the younger generation.
A Policy Blueprint: Five Pillars of AYUSH Implementation
Secretary Chaudhary reiterated his commitment to aligning the state’s roadmap with the five key goals of the Ministry of AYUSH—quality education, robust research, effective drug production, preservation of medicinal plants, and public awareness. He stressed the importance of localized, need-based implementation to bring AYUSH services to rural and remote regions of Uttarakhand.
Conclusion: The Road from Devbhoomi to AYUSH Bhoomi
This inspection by Secretary Dipendra Chaudhary is not just a bureaucratic routine; it is the laying of a new foundation for the future of AYUSH in Uttarakhand. With renewed focus, clear intent, and strong administrative push, the vision of transforming Uttarakhand into a global center of AYUSH education, wellness tourism, and pharmaceutical innovation appears increasingly achievable.
The message is clear: Uttarakhand is ready to lead India’s ancient wellness legacy into the modern world—from the Himalayas to the world stage.