President Inaugurates Mahayogi Gorakhnath AYUSH University in Gorakhpur

In a significant milestone for India’s traditional medicine and holistic healthcare systems, President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, today inaugurated the Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath AYUSH University in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh on July 1, 2025. The event marks a major step in advancing AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) education and services across the country.

The university is envisioned as a premier center for traditional Indian medical systems, blending ancient wisdom with modern research and healthcare delivery. President Murmu hailed the institution as an “impressive modern center of our rich ancient traditions”, lauding its transformative potential for medical education, research, and rural health services.

A Milestone for Holistic Medical Education

The newly inaugurated Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath AYUSH University is now positioned as a national hub for AYUSH education, offering advanced infrastructure, state-of-the-art laboratories, research wings, and modern teaching facilities to its students and affiliates. With over 100 AYUSH colleges affiliated, the university will serve as the academic backbone for thousands of students and researchers pursuing degrees in India's time-tested healing systems.

President Murmu emphasized the broader impact of the university beyond Uttar Pradesh. “This is not just a regional development,” she remarked, “but a contribution to the healthcare revolution for the entire nation.”

The President’s Reflections: Public Duty and Holistic Health

Speaking from her own journey in public life, President Murmu shared candid reflections on the value of selflessness and public service. “In public life, one must forsake personal comfort for the welfare of others,” she noted. Her remarks were directed as a reminder to administrators, doctors, and healthcare workers of their duty to uphold public trust and professional integrity.

She specifically commended Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, highlighting his contributions to healthcare, education, and agriculture infrastructure development in the region. “His tireless efforts have set the foundation for a self-reliant and healthy Uttar Pradesh,” the President said.

“Health is Wealth”: The Call for a Health-Conscious Nation

President Murmu invoked the adage “Health is Wealth”, encouraging all Indians to adopt healthy lifestyles as a national priority. She stated that a healthy citizenry is critical to realizing the national vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

In particular, she stressed the importance of yoga for people leading sedentary lives. “Yoga offers an antidote to our modern lifestyle ailments and must be practiced regularly,” she advised.

India’s Ancient Wisdom for a Global Future

The President underscored the scientific value of ancient Indian systems like Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, and Siddha, emphasizing their relevance in today’s world. She stated that these systems offer more than just healing—they offer a blueprint for holistic living, balancing the body, mind, and spirit.

“Ayurveda is deeply rooted in our land,” she said, referencing India’s rich biodiversity of medicinal plants and herbs found in forests and fields. “Our ancient diet and lifestyle principles based on balance and mindfulness are more relevant than ever.”

President Murmu proudly noted that AYUSH systems are India’s “precious gift to the world”, and that their global popularity is on the rise—a sentiment echoed in India’s recent initiatives to mainstream traditional wellness systems through international cooperation.

Role of AYUSH University in Mainstreaming Traditional Medicine

The Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath AYUSH University is not only a center of learning, but a pivotal institution in the scientific validation and global acceptance of traditional Indian medicine.

“The university must play a decisive role in enhancing the scientific credibility of AYUSH systems,” President Murmu urged, calling for greater investment in research, data-driven outcomes, and international collaborations.

The university will also offer opportunities to integrate traditional medicine with modern healthcare delivery, bridging the gap between ancient practices and contemporary medical science.

Towards a Healthier and Holistic India

The inauguration of the Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath AYUSH University is a landmark moment not only for Gorakhpur or Uttar Pradesh but for India’s broader aspiration of becoming a global leader in holistic healthcare. As the world increasingly turns to natural and sustainable wellness practices, institutions like this will form the intellectual and infrastructural backbone of India’s health diplomacy.

President Droupadi Murmu’s speech resonated with a call for personal well-being, professional ethics, and national pride in our cultural heritage. With this university, India takes one more confident step toward building a healthy, self-reliant, and developed nation by 2047.