Healthy India essential for a prosperous and developed nation

True prosperity begins with health. India’s ancient Ayurvedic wisdom shows the path.

- ALOK MEHTA

This Diwali, let us light two lakh diyas in Delhi, twenty-six lakh in Ayodhya, and millions more across India. Along with the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, let us also offer prayers to Goddess Saraswati and wish for a prosperous, developed India. Since ancient times, Indian culture has viewed such worship as a path to collective social and economic progress. However, a truly educated and developed India cannot exist without a 'Healthy India'. In accordance with tradition, it is worth remembering that before the worship of Lakshmi, there is a ritual to honour Lord Dhanvantari - the divine origin of Ayurveda. Yet, modern consumerism has transformed Dhanteras into a day focused on buying gold and wealth rather than invoking health and wellbeing.

Since 2016, the Government of India has been observing Ayurveda Day on Dhanvantari Jayanti (Dhanteras) every year. The purpose is to raise awareness about Ayurveda's principles, medicinal plants, and holistic lifestyle practices. According to Indian tradition, the knowledge of Ayurveda originated with Lord Dhanvantari, who received it from Lord Brahma.