New Delhi, 15 July (H.S.): President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday said that the future of Ayurveda rests in the hands of young students and researchers, urging them to follow the path shown by Acharya Sushruta by remaining steadfast in their commitment to medical ethics, scientific inquiry, and compassionate patient care.

The President made these remarks while inaugurating the three-day international symposium, Saushrutam 2026, at the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) on the occasion of Sushruta Jayanti. She also inaugurated the institute's new MRI section.

Addressing the gathering, President Murmu paid tribute to Acharya Sushruta, widely regarded as the Father of Surgery, and said that centuries ago he laid the foundation for a revolutionary transformation in surgical science. She noted that Acharya Sushruta pioneered several complex and innovative surgical procedures, including plastic surgery, cataract surgery, tumour treatment, and ENT surgeries. His seminal work, the Sushruta Samhita, not only transformed medical science in India but also provided a new direction to healthcare across the world.

The President said that preserving and advancing the knowledge embedded in India's ancient traditions in line with contemporary needs serves the greater good of society. She described Ayurveda's holistic philosophy of life as an invaluable heritage for humanity and stressed the need to ensure that this ancient system of medicine remains relevant and effective in modern times.

She further stated that the Government of India has helped Ayurveda and Yoga gain wider global recognition and is making sustained efforts to validate the ancient Ayurvedic surgical tradition through modern scientific standards. She added that standardized documentation, integration with digital health systems, and the effective use of advanced scientific research methodologies would further strengthen Ayurveda's global acceptance.

Expressing confidence in the symposium, President Murmu said the deliberations would generate new knowledge and provide fresh momentum to international cooperation in the field of Ayurvedic surgery. She observed that India's ancient medical traditions could achieve greater worldwide acceptance through modern scientific research and global partnerships.

The President also encouraged young students and researchers to pursue practical research with curiosity, integrity, and a scientific outlook while generating high-quality scientific evidence. She urged them not to hesitate in adopting new technologies wherever necessary and advised them to follow the ideals of Acharya Sushruta by placing medical ethics and compassionate, patient-centric care above all else.

Reiterating her confidence in the outcomes of *Saushrutam 2026*, President Murmu said the symposium would strengthen international collaboration in Ayurvedic surgery and contribute significantly to reinforcing Ayurveda's role within an integrated healthcare system.

The three-day international symposium, organised by the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), has brought together eminent surgeons, academicians, and researchers from India and several other countries to deliberate on contemporary research, innovations, and global collaboration in Ayurvedic surgery.

Addressing the event, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush Prataprao Jadhav said Ayurvedic surgery is steadily gaining global recognition. He highlighted that, following Australia in 2008, the installation of a statue of Maharshi Sushruta in Scotland in June 2026 was a matter of immense pride for India.

Jadhav said Indian Ayurvedic surgeons are now capable of performing advanced and complex surgical procedures, significantly strengthening healthcare services, particularly in rural and remote regions.

He further informed that Saushrutam 2026 has brought together more than 50 international experts and over 500 delegates from India and abroad. Expressing confidence in the symposium, he said it would serve as a landmark event in enhancing global cooperation, scientific validation, and international recognition of Ayurvedic surgical science.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar