Jadhav Calls for Global Recognition of Sowa-Rigpa
Ayush Minister says scientific research, global standards and preservation of traditional knowledge are key to expanding the Himalayan medicine system.
- Prataprao Jadhav calls for Sowa-Rigpa to emerge as an evidence-based global healthcare system.
- Independent research council proposed to strengthen scientific validation.
- NISR envisioned as a global centre for holistic wellness.
- Minister calls for digitisation and translation of Bhoti manuscripts.
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 7th Aug: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush Prataprao Jadhav on Friday called for developing Sowa-Rigpa into a globally recognised, evidence-based healthcare system by strengthening scientific research, academic institutions and internationally accepted standards.
Chairing the second Governing Body Meeting of the National Institute of Sowa-Rigpa (NISR) in New Delhi, Jadhav outlined a roadmap focusing on research, institutional development and expansion of the traditional medical system across the Indian Himalayan Region and beyond.
“Our goal is no longer limited to developing infrastructure; it is to establish Sowa-Rigpa as a mainstream healthcare system in India and across the world,” Jadhav said.
He stressed the need to accelerate research and proposed establishing an independent research council as an important step towards scientifically validating Sowa-Rigpa.
NISR as Global Wellness Centre
Jadhav said NISR should be developed as a global centre for holistic wellness and described the institute as the custodian of the medical heritage of the entire Indian Himalayan Region.
He called for greater emphasis on sustainable cultivation of rare medicinal plants, bio-prospecting, agroforestry and conservation of medicinal biodiversity, while ensuring the participation of Himalayan communities.
The Minister also proposed systematic preservation of hundreds of Bhoti-language manuscripts containing traditional Sowa-Rigpa knowledge. He suggested digitising the manuscripts before translating them to make the material accessible to researchers and the public.
The initiative could be undertaken through NISR, the Gyan Bharatam Mission or other competent institutions, with possible support from the Ministry of Culture, he said.
Ayush Secretary Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha said the government remained committed to preserving traditional medical knowledge while advancing it through modern scientific approaches.
During the meeting, the Governing Body also congratulated NISR Director Dr Padma Gurmet on receiving the Padma Shri in 2026 for his contribution to the revival, preservation and institutionalisation of Sowa-Rigpa.
Sowa-Rigpa, meaning “Knowledge of Healing” in the Bhoti language, is among the world’s oldest traditional systems of medicine. Also known as the Amchi system, it is practised across the Indian Himalayan Region and several neighbouring countries and is recognised under India’s Ayush framework.
The Ministry said it would continue efforts to strengthen the system through scientific validation, institutional development, education, research and wider public outreach.
