Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush and Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav on Friday called for positioning Sowa-Rigpa, the ancient Himalayan system of medicine, as a globally recognised evidence-based healthcare system by strengthening scientific research, academic excellence and institutional development.
Chairing the second Governing Body Meeting of the National Institute of Sowa-Rigpa (NISR) in New Delhi, the minister outlined a long-term roadmap to expand the reach of the traditional medical system across the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) and beyond.
Emphasising the need for the next phase of growth, Jadhav said the focus should shift from infrastructure development to scientific validation and international recognition. He stressed that establishing Sowa-Rigpa as an evidence-based medical system should be the government’s foremost priority and proposed the creation of an independent research council to accelerate scientific studies.
“Our goal is no longer limited to developing infrastructure; it is to establish Sowa-Rigpa as a mainstream healthcare system in India and across the world,” the minister said, adding that traditional wisdom must be integrated with modern scientific research, strong academic institutions and globally accepted standards.
Highlighting the cultural significance of the system, Jadhav described NISR as the custodian of the medical heritage of the entire IHR rather than just an institution for Ladakh. He urged the institute to strengthen its regional presence and work closely with Himalayan communities for the sustainable cultivation of rare medicinal plants, bio-prospecting, agroforestry and conservation of medicinal biodiversity.
The minister also called for the preservation of hundreds of Bhoti-language manuscripts containing centuries-old Sowa-Rigpa knowledge. He proposed a comprehensive digitisation, transcription and translation programme to make these valuable texts accessible to researchers and the public. He suggested that the initiative could be undertaken in collaboration with the Gyan Bharatam Mission, the Ministry of Culture or other competent institutions to safeguard India’s traditional medical heritage and support future research.
Ayush Secretary Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening institutions that preserve India’s traditional systems of medicine while advancing them through modern scientific approaches. He said the National Institute of Sowa-Rigpa has emerged as a leading institution for education, clinical services, research and capacity building in the field and assured continued support for its long-term development.
During the meeting, the Governing Body congratulated NISR Director Dr. Padma Gurmet on receiving the Padma Shri in 2026 for his outstanding contribution to the revival, preservation and institutionalisation of Sowa-Rigpa in India. Members acknowledged his leadership in expanding education, research, healthcare services and institutional development related to the traditional medical system.
Presenting the institute’s progress report, Dr. Gurmet highlighted achievements in academics, research, clinical services, medicinal plant conservation and outreach activities. He also outlined future plans aimed at strengthening institutional capacity and expanding access to Sowa-Rigpa across the country.
Sowa-Rigpa, which translates to “Knowledge of Healing” in the Bhoti language, is one of the world’s oldest traditional systems of medicine. Popularly known as the Amchi system, it is widely practised across the Indian Himalayan Region and neighbouring countries. Recognised under India’s Ayush framework, the system has evolved over centuries across the Trans-Himalayan region and remains an important repository of traditional medical knowledge.
The Governing Body meeting reviewed key policy, academic and research initiatives to further strengthen the National Institute of Sowa-Rigpa as the country’s apex institution for education, research and healthcare in the Sowa-Rigpa system. The Ministry of Ayush reiterated its commitment to promoting the ancient Himalayan medical tradition through scientific validation, institutional excellence and wider public outreach.
