Jamnagar's ITRA emerges as global hub for Ayurvedic education and research

Jamnagar (Gujarat), July 11 (IANS) Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (ITRA), located in Jamnagar, Gujarat, is making India proud by promoting Ayurveda and Unani systems of medicine at the global level.

The institute is not only renowned in India but also internationally recognised for its education and research in Ayurveda, attracting students from around the world. So far, students from 65 countries have pursued Ayurvedic education at this institute.

Professor Arpan Bhatt, associated with the institute for the past 45 years, spoke to IANS on Friday. He said that the institute offers training in various sciences related to Ayurveda. Along with research, clinical treatment is also provided. Several Yoga-related courses are also conducted here. The institute also houses a 300-bed hospital where hundreds of patients visit daily to receive Ayurvedic treatment.

Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Professor Bhatt said that due to the Prime Minister’s initiative and the support of the Government of India, the institute has been declared an Institution of National Importance. Every year, around 15 to 20 international students enrol in various courses. The Indian government continues to promote and support the institute. Students from over 65 countries have studied here, and currently, students from 12 to 15 countries—including Sri Lanka, Nepal, Brazil, Romania, France, and Spain—are receiving education at ITRA.

Bodhini, a student from Sri Lanka currently pursuing a post-MD clinical training course at ITRA, said the course has provided her with significant insights that will benefit both herself and her country.

Buddhika, a postgraduate from the University of Colombo, mentioned that during the course, she participated in various training sessions and gained extensive knowledge. She expressed her gratitude to the institute's staff and thanked India for giving her the opportunity to study here as a Sri Lankan citizen.

ITRA Director Dr Tanuja Nesari shared that a Global Centre for Traditional Medicine is being built on the campus. She said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had laid the foundation stone for the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine (GCTM), more than 70 per cent of which is now complete. The centre is expected to be fully ready by December. The inauguration will be attended by Prime Minister Modi, senior WHO officials, and dignitaries from various countries. This centre will be a prestigious contribution from India to the world and a significant gift to Jamnagar.

Dr Geetha Krishnan Gopalakrishna Pillai, Head of the Traditional Medicine Research and Evidence Unit at ITRA, shared a major development: the WHO building on campus will soon house the world’s largest Ayurveda research and information centre. This research centre will benefit not only the state of Gujarat but entire India in a significant way.

--IANS

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