President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday inaugurated ‘Saushrutam 2026’, a three-day international seminar on Ayurvedic surgery, at the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in New Delhi. She also inaugurated the institute’s MRI section on the occasion of Sushruta Jayanti.
Addressing the gathering, the President paid tribute to Acharya Sushruta, widely regarded as the father of surgery, and said his pioneering work centuries ago marked a revolutionary milestone in medical science.
Highlighting his contributions, she said Acharya Sushruta introduced several innovative surgical techniques in fields such as plastic surgery, cataract surgery, tumour treatment and ENT surgery. She noted that the ‘Sushruta Samhita’ had not only shaped medical knowledge in the Indian subcontinent but had also influenced healthcare traditions across the world.
Emphasising the relevance of India’s traditional knowledge systems, President Murmu said Ayurveda’s holistic approach to healthcare continues to be a boon for humanity. She stressed the need to preserve and strengthen this ancient wisdom by integrating it with modern scientific advancements.
The President said the Government of India has taken significant steps to promote Ayurveda and Yoga globally while also working to validate the ancient system of surgery through scientific research and evidence-based practices. She added that standardized documentation, digital health integration and modern research methodologies would further enhance Ayurveda’s global acceptance.
Addressing young students and researchers, President Murmu said the future of Ayurveda rests in their hands. She encouraged them to pursue practical research, generate high-quality scientific evidence and embrace emerging technologies wherever appropriate. She also urged them to uphold the values of medical ethics and compassionate patient care inspired by Acharya Sushruta.
Expressing confidence in the outcomes of the seminar, the President said Saushrutam 2026 would generate new knowledge and strengthen international cooperation in the field of Ayurvedic surgery, thereby enhancing Ayurveda’s contribution to holistic healthcare.
The three-day international seminar, hosted by the All India Institute of Ayurveda, has brought together eminent surgeons, academicians and researchers from India and abroad to deliberate on advances in Ayurvedic surgery and integrative healthcare.
