CCRAS Launches Second Edition of PRAYATNA to Boost Ayurveda Research Writing

 The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), under the Ministry of Ayush, has officially launched the second edition of its acclaimed initiative, CCRAS-PRAYATNA – Scientific Writing Workshop, for the academic year 2025–26. This transformative program is designed to upskill Ayurveda postgraduate, Ph.D., and post-doctoral scholars in scientific writing, manuscript preparation, and research publication—key capabilities needed to globalize Ayurveda scholarship.

PRAYATNA: Bridging the Gap Between Research and Global Publishing

First launched in August 2024, PRAYATNA (Promoting Research and Advancing Young Talent through Ayurveda Scientific Writing) is a first-of-its-kind workshop series that aims to bridge the long-standing gap between academic Ayurvedic research and international publishing standards. The initiative provides a unique blend of hands-on training, expert mentorship, peer feedback, and structured learning modules, allowing participants to refine their theses and research findings into publishable manuscripts.

The overarching objectives are threefold:

1. Develop strong scientific writing skills among Ayurveda researchers.

2. Improve visibility and credibility of Ayurveda research on global platforms.

3. Boost the publication readiness of manuscripts through guided development.

Director General’s Vision: Empowering a New Generation of Scholars

Prof. Rabinarayan Acharya, Director General of CCRAS, lauded the program’s progress and emphasized its critical role in shaping the future of Ayurveda research. “The PRAYATNA initiative reflects our unwavering commitment to nurturing a robust research culture in Ayurveda. By equipping young minds with the tools needed for high-quality scientific communication, we’re enhancing the global footprint of Indian traditional medicine,” he remarked.

Prof. Acharya further noted that the encouraging outcomes from the first workshop session highlight the transformative potential of the initiative. “We believe that the upcoming workshops will amplify both the quality and reach of Ayurveda research worldwide.”

A Structured, Multi-Tiered Training Framework

Unlike traditional workshops, PRAYATNA adopts a multi-tiered approach to maximize learning outcomes and engagement. The 2025–26 edition includes:

• Sensitization webinars to create awareness and build foundational knowledge.

• Article review exercises, with peer-to-peer feedback and expert critique.

• Residential manuscript development workshops, providing immersive, guided writing experiences.

• Post-workshop mentorship for refining manuscripts and facilitating journal submissions.

The residential component is particularly vital, offering an intensive environment where scholars collaborate closely with research experts to transform their work into journal-ready manuscripts.

Call for Host Institutions: National EOI Process Open

In line with its inclusive and national approach, CCRAS has opened an Expression of Interest (EOI) call for Ayurveda institutions interested in hosting the second edition of the workshop. Applications must be submitted to ccrasprayatna[at]gmail[dot]com by August 15, 2025.

Eligible institutions will be selected based on academic and infrastructural readiness, faculty expertise, and regional representation, ensuring equitable access to high-quality training across India.

Proven Success: Impact of the First Workshop

The inaugural edition of PRAYATNA, held at Shri BMK KLE Ayurveda College, Belagavi, set a high benchmark for success. Participants from across India produced multiple manuscripts that were submitted to reputed, peer-reviewed journals. The experience also fostered networking among young researchers, laying the groundwork for future collaboration and interdisciplinary studies.

PRAYATNA Within CCRAS’s Broader Capacity-Building Ecosystem

PRAYATNA is part of CCRAS’s multi-dimensional effort to cultivate research capacity in the field of Ayurveda. This initiative complements other flagship programs, including:

• SPARK – Supporting research orientation for undergraduate students.

• PG-STAR – Mentorship and research development for postgraduates.

• AGNI – Clinical research capacity building for Ayurveda physicians.

• SMART – Training teachers in modern pedagogy and scientific approach.

• ARMS – Focused training in research methodology and biostatistics.

Moreover, CCRAS’s scholarly journals—Journal of Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (JRAS), Journal of Drug Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (JDRAS), and Journal of Indian Medical Heritage (JIMH)—provide prominent platforms for publishing validated, evidence-based Ayurvedic research.

Paving the Way for Evidence-Based Ayurveda

In the global healthcare environment, scientific credibility and peer-reviewed visibility are key to the acceptance of traditional medical systems. Through initiatives like PRAYATNA, CCRAS is taking a decisive step to modernize Ayurveda research, nurturing a generation of researchers equipped with the skills and mindset to lead India’s traditional knowledge systems into the future.

By investing in structured training, publication mentorship, and a research-focused ecosystem, CCRAS is ensuring that Ayurveda remains not just relevant—but rigorously recognized—in the global scientific community.