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The term Ayurveda is derived from two Sanskrit words: “ayu”, meaning life, and “veda”, meaning knowledge. Thus, the term Ayurveda denotes the “knowledge of life”. Government of India has been observing Ayurveda Day every year on Dhanawantari Jayanti (Dhanteras) since 2016 to raise awareness about Ayurvedic principles, medicinal herbs, and lifestyle practices.

In India, the knowledge of Ayurveda is attributed to Dhanawantari, the divine physician who received this knowledge from the Lord Brahma.

India is observing 9th Ayurveda Day on October 29, 2024, under the theme “Ayurveda Innovations for Global Health.”

This year’s theme, "Ayurveda Innovation for Global Health," focuses on fostering Ayurvedic innovation to address global health issues.

If we observe history:

Reference of medicine and surgery are also found in Indian epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata. However, Ayurveda was established as a fully grown medical system from the period of Samhita (compendium) i.e., around 1000 BC.

The compendia like Caraka Samhita and Susruta Samhita were written in this period, later updated in Astanga Sahgraha authored by Vrddha Vagbhata.

Thus, the main three treatises called Brhattrayi i.e., Caraka Samhita, Susruta Samhita and Astanga Sangraha formed the basis for subsequent scholars to write texts.

In 1827, the first Ayurveda course was started in India at the Government Sanskrit College, Calcutta. By the beginning of 20th Century, many Ayurveda colleges were established in India under the patronage of provincial Rulers.

Presently Ayurveda has well-regulated undergraduate, postgraduate and doctorate education in India. A commendable network of practitioners and manufacturers exists. Infrastructure development in private and public sectors has improved the outreach to the community in a commendable way.

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