Ayurveda for People & Planet: Repositioning Traditional Wisdom in the 21st Century

In an era marked by ecological degradation, rising chronic disease, and fragmented healthcare systems, Ayurveda offers a time-tested, integrative framework for restoring balance—within individuals and across ecosystems. The 2025 National Ayurveda Day, themed “Ayurveda for People & Planet,” marks a pivotal moment in India’s efforts to elevate Ayurveda as a cornerstone of integrative, preventive, and personalized healthcare worldwide. This article explores the strategic dimensions of Ayurveda’s global relevance - its philosophical foundations, evidence-based evolution, and alignment with international health priorities such as Universal Health Coverage (UHC), non-communicable disease (NCD) prevention, and planetary health. It also examines India’s policy initiatives, digital innovations, and international collaborations that position Ayurveda as a credible contributor to global health systems.