Jaipur, Feb. 10 -- Chief minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Monday hailed Ayurveda and yoga for shaping India's identity as a "Vishwaguru," positioning Rajasthan - with its deep-rooted Ayurvedic tradition and rich medicinal resources - as a historic centre of traditional healing. He said the government is prioritising the promotion of Ayurveda and its wider adoption in public healthcare. Addressing the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA), Sharma said, "Ayurveda has deep roots in the soil of Rajasthan and its hills, forests and medicinal plants reflect the state's immense potential in herbal production and centuries-old Ayurvedic heritage." He added that NIA, which began as a college in 1976, has evolved into one of the country's leading deemed-to-be Ayurvedic universities, establishing leadership over the past five decades in education, training, research and patient care. Highlighting India's ancient knowledge systems, the CM said Ayurveda enables early understanding of seasonal diseases and preventive healthcare. He recalled the contributions of ancient scholars like Charak, Sushrut and Vagbhatt in systematising the science of Ayurveda, noting that Sushrut is globally regarded as the father of surgery. Referring to PM Narendra Modi's vision of "Heal in India, Heal by India," Sharma said the establishment of a separate AYUSH Ministry has given renewed momentum to traditional systems such as Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy. He also highlighted the global recognition of yoga after June 21 was declared International Yoga Day by the UN. The chief minister said the state government has expanded Ayurveda services by setting up new hospitals, colleges and dispensaries, increasing undergraduate and postgraduate seats, strengthening laboratories and drug-standardisation units, and modernising teaching pharmacies. He added that efforts are ongoing to mainstream Ayurveda in public healthcare through expansion of Panchakarma units, modernisation of facilities and new research opportunities, while assuring full cooperation in allocating land for NIA in Jaipur. Union minister of state (independent charge) for AYUSH and minister of state for health and family welfare Pratap Rao Jadhav said NIA's 50-year journey reflects the dedication of generations of practitioners and researchers who have kept the Ayurvedic tradition alive. He said lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and vitamin deficiencies are increasing due to unhealthy habits and that yoga and Ayurveda offer important solutions. Jadhav added that the Centre aims not only to treat diseases but to create a healthier and more balanced society, thanking the Prime Minister for expanding Ayurvedic institutions in the latest budget. Deputy chief minister Prem Chand Bairwa said the state government is promoting Ayurveda and yoga through initiatives like the Ayushman Adarsh Gram Yojana to develop "healthy villages."...