The Ministry of AYUSH honoured Prof. Banwari Lal Gaur, Vaidya Neelakandhan Mooss E.T., and Vaidya Bhavana Prasher with the National Dhanwantari Ayurveda Awards 2025, recognising their outstanding contributions across academic, traditional, and scientific domains of Ayurveda.
These prestigious awards celebrate individuals who have advanced the promotion, preservation, and growth of Ayurveda. This year’s awardees reflect a unique blend of classical scholarship, living tradition, and scientific innovation.
Prof. Banwari Lal Gaur: Enriching Ayurveda Through Literature and Scholarship
Prof. Banwari Lal Gaur, a distinguished academician, has dedicated more than six decades to Ayurvedic education and Sanskrit scholarship. He has authored 31 books and over 300 academic works, including 319 Sanskrit publications. By mentoring 24 PhD scholars and 48 postgraduate students, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the academic future of Ayurveda.
Over the years, he has received several national honours, including the Rashtrapati Samman, for his contributions to Ayurvedic literature and education.
Reflecting on the recognition, Prof. Gaur said:
“Receiving the National Dhanwantari Ayurveda Award 2025 is an honour I accept with deep humility. This award is not just personal recognition but a celebration of our shared tradition. I hope it inspires young scholars to carry forward the torch of Ayurveda with zeal, sincerity, and respect for knowledge.”
Vaidya Neelakandhan Mooss E.T.: Preserving Kerala’s Healing Legacy
As the head of the Vaidyaratnam Group and the eighth-generation custodian of a 200-year-old Ayurvedic lineage, Vaidya Neelakandhan Mooss E.T. has expanded Kerala’s classical Ayurvedic practices to national and global audiences. He leads a team of over 100 physicians and has spearheaded initiatives such as Marmayanam and Vajra, along with authoring a practical Panchakarma handbook.
His work embodies Ayurveda as a living tradition, balancing continuity with adaptability.
Upon receiving the award, Vaidya Mooss remarked:
“To be conferred with the National Dhanwantari Ayurveda Award 2025 is both humbling and deeply fulfilling. This recognition strengthens my resolve to continue mentoring young vaidyas and ensuring Ayurveda remains a dynamic practice that benefits communities worldwide.”
Vaidya Bhavana Prasher: Bridging Ayurveda and Genomics
Vaidya Bhavana Prasher, a scientist at CSIR–IGIB, has been recognised for her pioneering research in Ayurgenomics. Her work connects traditional Ayurvedic concepts such as Prakriti and Tridosha with modern genomic science, advancing predictive and personalised healthcare.
Her AI and ML-based Prakriti analysis protocols have been adopted in national programmes such as the Rashtriya Prakriti Parikshan Karyakram, expanding Ayurveda’s role in public health.
Expressing gratitude, Vaidya Prasher said:
“This recognition reaffirms the importance of integrating scientific research with Ayurveda’s timeless wisdom. I see this award as collective encouragement for all scientists working to strengthen Ayurveda’s role in global health.”
Celebrating Excellence Across Ayurveda
As reported by pib.gov.in, the National Dhanwantari Ayurveda Awards, instituted by the Ministry of AYUSH, remain one of the highest honours in traditional Indian medicine. The 2025 awardees embody three vital dimensions of Ayurveda:
- Prof. Gaur as the scholar,
- Vaidya Mooss as the traditional practitioner, and
- Vaidya Prasher as the scientific innovator.
Together, they represent the continuity and evolution of Ayurveda, underscoring its enduring relevance in both classical and modern contexts.