With the rising incidence of lifestyle diseases, Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of health that emphasises balance of the mind, body and spirit, is witnessing renewed global interest. On the occasion of World Ayurveda Day, observed annually on September 23, Prof. Dr. Dilip Dan, a general surgeon and president of the Brahma Vidya Peetham International, highlighted its growing significance.
Ayurveda is an ancient Indian science whose name translates to “science of life” and is often referred to as the “science of immortality.” It dates to the Vedic era in India. Based on the concept of natural medicine, it emphasises the use of herbs, a balanced diet, and a healthy lifestyle. Although it is centuries old, it remains relevant today. Dr Dan, a modern allopathic doctor, observed that many drugs in contemporary medicine are derived from plants used in Ayurveda. He emphasised that while modern diseases often have psychological origins, Ayurveda addresses not only symptoms but also overall well-being.
Medically, Ayurveda can be regarded as an addition to evidence-based medicine in the eyes of Dan. It may help decrease the burden of chronic diseases, stress, and even complement surgical procedures by preparing patients psychologically, promoting recovery, and helping to control pain. Ayurveda emphasizes individualised nutrition and stress management, which may be especially valuable in Trinidad and Tobago, where obesity rates are steadily rising. Although bariatric surgery is an effective method, it is only suitable for a limited category of people. Ayurveda’s approach to lifelong commitment to healthy eating and exercise offers a more accessible and sustainable option.
Dan is also convinced that Ayurveda could relieve strain on the health care system. Western medicine remains the gold standard for diagnosis and acute care, but Ayurveda focuses on prevention, especially in the context of lifestyle diseases like diabetes and hypertension. He asserts that the two would enhance patient care and lower hospital expenditures. To integrate Ayurveda into the local society, he proposes implementing pilot programs, increasing education, and incorporating Ayurveda into medical programs to enable doctors to value and incorporate it into their practice. Education in society is also pertinent. He also pointed to global precedents, including AYUSH departments in Indian hospitals, yoga-based rehabilitation funded by the UK’s National Health Service, and integrative medicine courses in Germany.
Culturally, Ayurveda is timeless wisdom. Swami Brahma Swarupananda, the spiritual master of Brahma Vidya Peetham International, advocates Ayurveda as a solution to the health problems of stress, diabetes, obesity, and hypertension in the contemporary world, based on a balanced diet, detoxification, yoga, pranayama, and meditation. He considers the fertile land and multiculturalism of Trinidad and Tobago as the perfect environment for Ayurveda growth. He envisions Ayurveda being introduced in schools and universities to ensure that children can learn the principles of preventive health from an early age.
Practical steps are already underway. An Ayurvedic university is being planned on 15 acres of land at Caratal, offering undergraduate to post-graduate courses in yoga therapy, dietetics, and herbology. On October 1, an Agro Ayurveda Eco Park will launch, featuring five acres of Ayurvedic farming. These initiatives aim to create jobs, strengthen local healthcare, expand the herbal industry, and reduce dependence on imported medicines.
Swami Swarupananda emphasises that Ayurveda is not merely part of Indian culture or limited to herbal medicine but is a universal health system. He believes that the Caribbean will fully adopt Ayurveda within 10 to 20 years, with the support of the government, NGOs, and international organisations. He concludes with a note of unity, emphasising that Ayurveda offers long-term, holistic solutions and should be valued as a complementary approach to modern medicine, rather than a replacement.
References: NEWSDAY. Ayurveda’s relevance in contemporary medicine. Published September 23, 2025. Accessed September 24, 2025. Ayurveda’s relevance in contemporary medicine
