The critical role of standards in harmonising classical
Ayurvedic wisdom with modern scientific and regulatory frameworks was
highlighted at the national-level workshop organised by Bureau of Indian
Standards (BIS), under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public
Distribution in association with Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE)
through its Division of Ayurveda, Centre for Integrative Medicine and Research.
The workshop was held at the TMA Pai Auditorium, MAHE, Manipal on January 9.

The programme was designed for faculty members,
researchers, startups, and industry representatives engaged in the Ayurveda
sector. The innovative event witnessed the participation of nearly 180
delegates from across the country, marking a significant milestone in the
collective journey towards strengthening quality, safety, and global acceptance
of Ayurveda. The theme was inspired by BIS’s guiding motto “Manakah Patha
Pradarshaka”.

Addressing the gathering, Jayant Deopujari, Chairperson of
the Ayurveda Sectional Committee, BIS emphasized that the workshop represents
an important step toward bridging traditional knowledge with contemporary
requirements through structured and meaningful standardisation. He underscored
the collective responsibility of all stakeholders to position Ayurveda as a
globally trusted healthcare system.

The inaugural session was graced by Dr. Sharath K Rao, Pro
Vice-Chancellor – Health Sciences, MAHE, Manipal who stressed the urgent need
for standardisation in traditional systems such as Ayurveda. He assured full
institutional support from MAHE and its various divisions in advancing this
national initiative of the Government of India.

During the inaugural address, Shrishti Dixit, Head of the
AYUSH Department, BIS, reaffirmed BIS’s commitment to strengthening quality and
safety in Ayurveda through robust and inclusive standardisation mechanisms. She
highlighted that standards form the foundation of trust, which is essential for
the international recognition and wider adoption of Ayurveda.

The workshop featured insightful and thought-provoking
sessions by eminent experts including Prof. Rabinarayan Acharya, Dr. Muralidhar
R Ballal, Dr, Manesh Thomas, and Sh. Devendra Reddy. The discussions focused on
multi-disciplinary collaboration, the role of standards in nurturing Ayurveda
startups, and the responsibility of industry in driving quality and compliance.
Participants actively engaged in open discussions, sharing innovative ideas and
practical insights on advancing standardisation in Ayurveda.