28 October: National Ayurveda Day

The first National Ayurveda Day was observed on 28 October on the occasion of Dhanwantari Jayanti. The theme for this year is ‘Ayurveda for Prevention and Control of Diabetes‘.
Ayurveda is the traditional Hindu system of medicine based on the idea of balance in bodily systems and uses diet, herbal treatment, and yogic breathing.  It has been incorporated in Atharva Veda, the last of the four Vedas.
To celebrate this day, the Union Ministry of AYUSH had organized a day-long national seminar on Prevention and Control of Diabetes through Ayurveda in New Delhi.
Besides, the Ministry also had launched Mission Madhumeha through Ayurveda on the occasion. The Mission Madhumeha will be implemented throughout the country through a specially designed National Treatment Protocol for effective management of Diabetes through Ayurveda. The national treatment Protocol was also released on occasion of National Seminar.
Background
Union Government has decided to celebrate National Ayurveda Day every year on the occasion of Dhanwantari Jayanti. This day marks birth date of Lord Dhanvantari, which occurs before two days before Diwali on Dhanteras.  Dhanvantari is the form of Lord Vishnu. He is considered as the ideal doctor and manifestation of compassion, representing the wisdom of ayurveda in practical application.

Month: Current Affairs - October, 2016