The Present Era
The political landscape of the country underwent a significant change towards freedom from foreign rule. The resurgence of nationalism and the fight for independence brought back Indian cultural values, including healthcare systems. The patriotic fervor of the people, their leaders, and the benevolence of princely state rulers initiated the revival of Ayurvedic medicine even before the country gained independence. In 1916, members of the Imperial Legislative Councils urged the Government to embrace the ancient and indigenous system of Ayurveda and develop it scientifically. In 1920, the Indian National Congress advocated government support for Ayurveda, and provincial governments began providing assistance. State and Central Governments formed committees to rehabilitate this time-tested system, aligning it with modern scientific standards. Consequently, several states established schools and colleges to train competent Ayurvedic practitioners with knowledge of modern medicine.
After gaining independence in 1947, the movement for Ayurveda's revival gained momentum. The first Health Ministers' Conference resolved to develop and utilize Ayurveda for healthcare. Over time, Ayurveda received official recognition and became an integral part of the national health network. Official health policies and national plans elevated it to a status similar to allopathic medicine. Today, Ayurveda is aligning itself with modern scientific standards and is poised for more effective utilization, contributing to the country's goals of universal healthcare and population control. Medical scientists are researching Ayurvedic remedies for lifestyle-related diseases, degenerative disorders, and psychosomatic conditions.
Definition
The classical Ayurvedic texts describe it as follows:
Ayurveda is a knowledge of life that extensively deals with conditions beneficial or detrimental to humanity and factors contributing to happiness or sorrow. It also provides guidance for a healthy life throughout one's entire lifespan. Ayurveda is often referred to as the 'Science of Life,' making it perhaps the earliest medical science with a positive concept of health, blending physical, mental, social, moral, and spiritual well-being.
According to ancient knowledge, health is considered a prerequisite for achieving life's supreme goals, including righteousness, wealth, artistic values, and spiritual freedom. Ayurveda encompasses both preventive and curative aspects of diseases, offering a comprehensive approach to a healthy life.
Ayurveda extensively covers measures for maintaining health and provides a wide range of therapeutic approaches to combat illness, focusing on the physical, mental, social, and spiritual welfare of individuals. It stands as one of the oldest medical systems, addressing both preventive and curative aspects of life.