Jaipur, Feb 9 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Bhajan Lal Sharma, emphasized on Monday that Ayurveda has profound roots in Rajasthan and the state possesses vast potential for cultivating medicinal plants.

He highlighted that the state's hills, forests, and diverse biodiversity serve as a testament to Rajasthan's long-standing relationship with Ayurveda.

The Chief Minister mentioned that the state government is prioritizing the promotion of Ayurveda and its broader acceptance among the populace.

During his address at the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA) at its campus in Jaipur, he stated that the institute has evolved from a college established in 1976 to a prominent deemed-to-be Ayurveda university in India.

"The esteemed status and leadership attained by the NIA over the past 50 years is a source of pride for Rajasthan," he asserted.

He pointed out that the institute has demonstrated exemplary leadership in education, training, research, and patient care.

According to Chief Minister Sharma, Ayurveda and Yoga have significantly contributed to positioning India as a global leader.

He elaborated that Ayurveda provides deep insights into seasonal ailments and their remedies.

"Alongside the Vedas, ancient sages comprehended human existence through Ayurveda, refined by eminent scholars like Charaka, Sushruta, and Vagbhata," he noted.

The Chief Minister recalled that the Charaka Samhita emphasizes that a healthy body is essential for righteous living, while Sushruta is globally acknowledged as the father of surgery.

He remarked that Prime Minister Modi's vision of "Treatment in India and Treatment by India" has provided a new direction to traditional medical systems.

"The formation of a dedicated Ministry of AYUSH has bolstered Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy," he added.

Chief Minister Sharma mentioned that the United Nations' declaration of June 21 as International Yoga Day, thanks to the Prime Minister's efforts, has brought worldwide recognition to Yoga and India's traditional medical heritage.

"Investments in Ayurvedic research have surged, and institutions in this domain have expanded," he stated.

The Chief Minister noted that the state government has enhanced healthcare services by establishing new Ayurveda hospitals, colleges, and dispensaries in recent years.

"The number of undergraduate and postgraduate seats has been increased, modern laboratories and drug standardization units have been fortified, and teaching pharmacies have been upgraded," he mentioned.

"Efforts are underway to integrate Ayurveda into mainstream public health systems through the expansion of hospitals, strengthening Panchakarma units, modernizing dispensaries, and enhancing educational and research opportunities," the Chief Minister concluded.

He assured complete support for land allocation to facilitate the expansion of the National Institute of Ayurveda in Jaipur.

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH and Health and Family Welfare, Prataprao Jadhav, remarked that the 50-year journey of the NIA signifies the dedication of many generations of doctors, researchers, and scholars who have kept the flame of Ayurveda alive.

He noted the rise of lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes and Vitamin B12 and D deficiencies, stating that Ayurveda and Yoga are crucial for managing these issues.

Under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, he said that the Union government aims not only to treat diseases but also to cultivate a healthy, balanced, and empowered society.

Chief Minister Sharma expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for budget announcements, including the setup of three new All India Institutes of Ayurveda, and acknowledged the efforts underway in Rajasthan under the Chief Minister's guidance.

Deputy Chief Minister Prem Chand Bairwa mentioned that the Ayushman Adarsh Gram Yojana is being implemented in the state to foster healthy villages through Ayurveda and Yoga.

He referred to Ayurveda and Yoga as India's gifts to the world, noting that under the National AYUSH Mission action plan for 2025-26, Rajasthan has received the highest allocation in the nation, amounting to Rs 348 crore.

On this occasion, the Chief Minister inaugurated the newly constructed OPD Sushruta Bhavan at the NIA campus and also visited an exhibition. Legislators and other dignitaries were present at the event.