The All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) has launched a new digital dialogue series, ‘AyurVarta’, to promote wider public engagement with Ayurveda through discussions on its traditional knowledge, scientific foundations and contemporary relevance.

The initiative, launched in New Delhi on September 1, ahead of Ayurveda Day on September 23, will feature conversations with Ayurveda experts, physicians, academicians, scientists, researchers and policy specialists from India and abroad. The series will cover topics ranging from research and education to public health, innovation, and Ayurveda’s expanding role in global healthcare.

The inaugural episode brought together Professor (Vaidya) P. K. Prajapati, Director of AIIA, and Professor (Dr.) Mahesh Vyas, Dean, Ph.D., AIIA, for a discussion on the theme, “Why is Ayurveda Day celebrated on 23 September?”

A key focus of the discussion was the decision to move the annual observance of Ayurveda Day from Dhanvantari Jayanti, traditionally associated with Dhanteras, to a fixed date of September 23.

According to the AIIA, a fixed date is expected to provide greater consistency to the annual observance and strengthen Ayurveda Day's national and international identity. Prof. Prajapati said the move was part of broader efforts to strengthen Ayurveda as a healthcare and knowledge system with growing relevance globally.

Prof. Vyas highlighted another dimension of the date, noting that September 23 falls around the Autumnal Equinox, when day and night are approximately equal in duration. He linked this natural equilibrium with Ayurveda’s emphasis on balance, harmony and equilibrium as important principles of health and well-being.

AIIA said ‘AyurVarta’ will continue as an ongoing digital platform for informed conversations on Ayurveda. Upcoming episodes are expected to examine its scientific foundations, contemporary research, education, public health, technology and innovation, medicinal plants, preventive healthcare and integration with modern medical sciences.

The series will also explore evidence generation, international opportunities and Ayurveda’s potential contribution to global health.

Episodes will be distributed through AIIA’s official digital and social media platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, X and Instagram, making the discussions accessible to students, healthcare professionals, researchers, academicians and the general public.