The government wants all its diplomatic missions abroad to open centres to promote traditional Indian medicines, yoga and the Indian concept of well being.
The external affairs ministry is working on the missive from the ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (Ayush).
India has 183 diplomatic missions and posts. The centres, which can be opened on premises of the missions, cultural centres they run or any other places identified by embassies, will promote ayurveda, yoga naturopathy, unani, siddha and homoeopathy.
“The objective of Ayush Information Cells is to disseminate authentic information about the Ayush system of medicine. There is a lot of interest around the world about them. Now, the plan is to try and have such centres in all Indian missions,” said an MEA official. He added, “These centres will help those who are interested in getting authentic information and get foreign experts connected with their Indian counterparts.”
The Ayush Information Cell will be provided with publicity material consisting of literature in the form of books and CDs.
After the NDA government came to power, the Ayush department was converted into a ministry. Promotion of yoga around the world has remained a key aspect of the government’s soft power projection.
To set up such centres, the Ayush ministry will give a one-time grant of INR 15 lakh and an annual assistance of INR 5 lakh to run them.
There are now 28 such centres in 25 countries from Central Asia to Latin America.
