India Launches Ayurvedic Manuscript Workshop
The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), under the Ministry of Ayush, is set to host a “Transliteration Capacity Building Workshop on Ayurvedic Manuscripts” from March 13 to March 24, 2025, at the Central Ayurveda Research Institute (CARI) in Bhubaneswar. This initiative, in collaboration with the National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM), aims to preserve India’s rich manuscript heritage while empowering young scholars to engage with traditional Ayurvedic texts.
Empowering Future Scholars
Union Minister of State for Ayush, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, highlighted the importance of this workshop, stating that India’s manuscript heritage is a “treasure trove of traditional wisdom.” He emphasized that Ayurveda has significant potential for modern healthcare. The workshop not only aims to preserve these invaluable texts but also to empower young scholars to decode and integrate them into contemporary research. Jadhav noted that this initiative strengthens India’s commitment to revitalizing Ayurveda on a global scale, ensuring its relevance in evidence-based medicine.
Furthermore, he pointed out that fostering expertise in manuscript studies will create new job opportunities for Ayurveda professionals, enhancing the role of traditional knowledge in public health. This initiative reflects India’s dedication to bridging the past with the future, making Ayurveda a cornerstone of holistic and scientific healthcare for generations to come.
Bridging Tradition and Modern Science
Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, emphasized the significance of transliterating Ayurvedic manuscripts. He described it as a vital endeavor that connects traditional wisdom with modern scientific inquiry. By equipping young scholars with the skills to critically analyze and interpret these texts, the workshop aims to foster a new wave of Ayurveda research. This initiative will enhance the evidence-based validation of classical knowledge, ensuring its application in contemporary healthcare and global medical advancements.
In alignment with the Government of India’s ‘Gyan Bharat Mission,’ the workshop supports the survey, documentation, and conservation of India’s manuscript heritage. Prof. (Vaidya) Rabinarayan Acharya, Director General of CCRAS, noted that the organization has digitized over 5,000 medical manuscripts and cataloged many more. He highlighted Odisha’s rich collection of Ayurvedic manuscripts and stated that this initiative is a step toward revitalizing India’s medical heritage for future generations while creating job opportunities for young Ayurveda professionals.
Training the Next Generation
The workshop aims to train 30 young Ayurveda researchers and Sanskrit scholars in studying, transliterating, and publishing Ayurvedic manuscripts. This effort unlocks the vast potential of these texts for contemporary research. With Odisha’s rich manuscript heritage, the workshop presents a significant opportunity to build a skilled human resource pool dedicated to preserving and promoting Ayurvedic knowledge. Participants will receive guidance from over 10 eminent experts in the field.
As a leader in Ayurvedic literary research, CCRAS has published over 94 books and developed digital initiatives such as the Ayush Manuscripts Advanced Repository (AMAR) and the Showcase of Ayurveda Historical Imprints (SAHI) to preserve rare manuscripts. This workshop is part of a nationwide initiative by CCRAS to systematically study and critically edit Ayurvedic texts, ensuring that traditional medical wisdom remains relevant for scientific advancements and societal well-being.
Commitment to Ayurvedic Research
Through a series of workshops across the country, CCRAS is dedicated to strengthening Ayurveda’s literary research. These efforts are crucial for bringing traditional knowledge to the forefront of healthcare delivery. By fostering a new generation of scholars equipped with the skills to engage with Ayurvedic manuscripts, the initiative aims to ensure that India’s rich medical heritage continues to thrive in the modern world.
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