The National Institute of Siddha (NIS), an autonomous institute under the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, is conducting a series of academic and awareness programmes from 18 to 25 September 2026 to commemorate the 11th Ayurveda Day. The week-long observance brings together students, scholars, healthcare professionals and faculty to deepen knowledge of Ayurvedic medicine and promote awareness about traditional healthcare systems.
Key facts
- Dates: 18 to 25 September 2026
- Organiser: National Institute of Siddha, Chennai, under Ministry of Ayush
- 18 September: Skin Expert Seminar on “Healthy Skin, Stronger Tomorrow” (also marks inauguration of 11th Ayurveda Day celebrations)
- 21 September: Institutional visits to VHS Hospital Campus, Taramani and Dr. Achanta Lakshmipathi Regional Ayurveda Research Institute, Chennai
- 22 September: Seminar on “Sophisticated Instrumental Approaches to Drug Standardization” with Dr. T. Vinodh Kumar from Captain Srinivasa Murthy Central Ayurveda Research Institute as Chief Guest
- 23 September: Seminar on “Future Perspectives of Integrative AYUSH Practices”
- 24 September: Seminar on “Unique Concepts of Ayurvedic Principles and Clinical Diagnosis”
- 25 September: Hands-on training on Ayurvedic Para-Surgical Procedures
- Participants: Undergraduate, postgraduate and Ph.D. scholars, plus faculty members
About Ayurveda Day and its significance
Ayurveda Day is observed annually on 25 September to commemorate the birthday of Charaka, a celebrated ancient physician and author of Charaka Samhita, one of the foundational texts of Ayurvedic medicine. The 11th observance this year aligns with the Ministry of Ayush’s broader mission to promote awareness and scientific understanding of India’s traditional healthcare systems globally.
Academic programmes and their focus areas
The celebrations opened with a seminar on skin health as part of Skin Awareness Month, organised by the Department of Aruvai, Kan, Kaathu, Mooku, Thondai, Pal Matrum Thol Maruthuvam (Department of Siddha specialisations). This session aimed to combine expert knowledge with public awareness on maintaining healthy skin through traditional practices.
On 21 September, students and faculty undertook institutional visits to VHS Hospital Campus at Taramani and the Dr. Achanta Lakshmipathi Regional Ayurveda Research Institute (ALRARI), Chennai. These visits provided practical exposure and opportunities for academic exchange with research professionals working on Ayurvedic medicine and its applications.
A key seminar on 22 September addressed “Sophisticated Instrumental Approaches to Drug Standardization”, featuring Dr. T. Vinodh Kumar, Research Officer (Chemistry) from the Captain Srinivasa Murthy Central Ayurveda Research Institute (CCRAS). This session focused on modern scientific methods for testing and standardising Ayurvedic medicines, bridging traditional knowledge with contemporary laboratory techniques.
The institute scheduled two additional seminars: one on 23 September exploring the future of integrative AYUSH practices (combining different traditional medicine systems with conventional medicine), and another on 24 September on Ayurvedic diagnostic principles and their clinical application. The week concludes with a practical training session on 25 September covering Ayurvedic para-surgical procedures, including therapeutic techniques that do not require major surgery.
Role of institutional collaboration
The programmes demonstrate how the National Institute of Siddha collaborates with other research institutions and hospitals to provide comprehensive learning. The involvement of CCRAS, a central research institute, highlights efforts to strengthen the scientific foundation of traditional Ayurvedic practices and ensure medicines meet quality standards recognised by modern pharmaceutical science.
What this means for you
If you are a student or professional in Ayurveda, Siddha medicine, or integrative healthcare, these programmes offer opportunities to engage with cutting-edge research and practical skills. For the general public, the seminars and awareness campaigns underscore how Ayurvedic principles can support health maintenance and disease prevention through diet, lifestyle and herbal remedies. The focus on drug standardization is particularly relevant for patients seeking reliable, scientifically tested traditional medicines.
Connection to broader Ministry of Ayush initiatives
These programmes align with the Ministry of Ayush’s commitment to validate, preserve and promote India’s traditional medicine systems. By combining academic rigour with practical demonstrations, the National Institute of Siddha contributes to the global recognition of Ayurveda as a legitimate healthcare approach grounded in both ancient wisdom and modern scientific evidence.