Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth holds 29th Convocation at BHU

The 29th Convocation and Shishyopanayaniya Samskara Ceremony of Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth (RAV), an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, was held today at Swatantrata Bhawan, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi. The ceremony celebrated the achievements of scholars trained under the Certificate of Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth (CRAV) programme and reaffirmed the enduring Guru–Shishya tradition of Ayurveda.

Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush and Minister of State in the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, addressed the gathering through a virtual message as the Chief Guest.

In his address, Shri Jadhav said it was a matter of great pride to address such an august gathering of scholars in the sacred city of Kashi, the ancient seat of Ayurvedic knowledge and the land associated with Dhanvantari Divodasa, regarded as the originator of surgical science in Ashtanga Ayurveda. He paid tribute to Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, the founder of Banaras Hindu University, whose vision made BHU one of the historic centres of Ayurveda education.

Padma Shri Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, congratulated the graduating scholars and encouraged them to actively engage in research and scientific writing, stressing that evidence-based studies are essential for strengthening the credibility and global acceptance of Ayush systems.

Prof. Ajit Kumar Chaturvedi, Vice Chancellor of Banaras Hindu University, emphasised the need for students to maintain academic focus and dedication while contributing to the advancement of the Ayush sector.

Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri awardee Vaidya Devendra Triguna, President of the Governing Body of RAV, expressed satisfaction that the institution has been fulfilling its vision of producing skilled Ayurvedic practitioners. He noted that the future of the Ayush sector is promising, with increasing numbers of colleges and universities dedicated to traditional medicine. He encouraged young practitioners to feel proud of the title “Vaidya” and to contribute to the global recognition of Ayurveda.

Earlier, Dr. Vandana Siroha, Director of Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth, welcomed the dignitaries and participants and highlighted the institution’s role in promoting advanced training and preserving the Guru–Shishya lineage of Ayurveda.

The ceremony was attended by several distinguished dignitaries, including Dr. Manisha Upendra Kothekar, Chairperson, National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM); Prof. S. N. Sankhwar, Director, Institute of Medical Sciences, BHU; Prof. Amit Patra, Director, IIT (BHU); and Prof. (Dr.) P. K. Goswami, Dean, Faculty of Ayurveda, BHU.(updated on 11th March 2026)