Pune University’s AYUSH Center of Excellence Receives Government Approval
Pune, 5th April 2024: The Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, has approved financial assistance for the ‘AYUSH Center of Excellence’ project at Savitribai Phule Pune University’s (SPPU) Department of Health Sciences. This initiative, undertaken in collaboration with the National Center for Cell Science and Poona College of Pharmacy of Bharati Vidyapeeth, aims to integrate traditional Indian disciplines such as Ayurveda and Yoga with modern scientific research methodologies.
Prof. Suresh Gosavi, Vice-Chancellor of the SPPU, emphasized the university’s pioneering role in Indian disciplines research and training. He highlighted the importance of studying Ayurveda and Yoga, especially in addressing contemporary global challenges. The project involves interdisciplinary research, with departments such as Bioinformatics, Zoology, and Microbiology actively participating.
Dr. Mohan Wani, Director of the National Center for Cell Science, elaborated on the organization’s role in the project, focusing on utilizing modern tools to study Ayurveda concepts and medicines. Dr. Atmaram Pawar, Principal of the College of Pharmacy, Bharati Vidyapeeth, emphasized the project’s alignment with the integrated research concept of the new educational policy, foreseeing enhanced collaboration across various fields.
The Department of Health Sciences has been a pioneer in Ayurveda and Yoga research for nearly 25 years under the leadership of Prof. Bhushan Patwardhan. Prof. Patwardhan, also designated as the National Research Professor of the Ministry of AYUSH and mentor of the project, stressed the importance of bridging traditional knowledge with contemporary science.
The project boasts a team of esteemed scholars including Dr Mohan Vani, Dr. Dheeraj Dhotre, Dr Urmila Aswar, Dr Manali Joshi, Dr Smita Saxena, Dr Atul Bharde, Dr Richa Ashma, Dr Kalpana Pai, Dr Preeti Chavan-Gautam, and Dr Girish Tillu.
Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof. Parag Kalkar and Registrar Prof. Vijay Khare extended their congratulations to the researchers for their significant contribution to advancing interdisciplinary research in Ayurveda and Yoga.
