Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, continues to shape healthcare in India and across the world. To recognize outstanding contributions in this field, the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, confers the National Dhanwantari Ayurveda Award every year. The award, named after Lord Dhanwantari (the divine physician and father of Ayurveda), is considered the highest national honor in Ayurveda.
In 2025, three eminent scholars and physicians were selected for this prestigious recognition.
🌿 What is the National Dhanwantari Ayurveda Award?
- Instituted by the Ministry of AYUSH in 2016.
- Presented every year on Dhanwantari Jayanti / National Ayurveda Day.
- Recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions in Ayurveda through clinical practice, education, research, or innovation.
🎁 What Does the Award Include?
The awardees are honored with:
- Citation / Certificate of Recognition – acknowledging their lifelong contribution.
- Dhanwantari Trophy or Statuette – symbolizing Lord Dhanwantari, the god of Ayurveda.
- Cash Prize (₹5,00,000) – as a token of appreciation for their invaluable service.
Thus, the award not only brings prestige but also serves as an encouragement for continued excellence in Ayurveda.
🏅 National Dhanwantari Ayurveda Award 2025 Recipients
1️⃣ Astavaidyan Neelakandhan Mooss E.T.
- A torchbearer of Kerala’s illustrious Ashtavaidya tradition, one of the oldest Ayurvedic healing systems.
- Renowned physician and scholar who has upheld and expanded the classical methods of Ayurvedic treatment.
- Revered for integrating traditional wisdom with contemporary healthcare needs.
2️⃣ Prof. Banwari Lal Gaur
- A distinguished scholar, academician, and writer with more than six decades of contribution to Ayurveda and Sanskrit education.
- Authored numerous research papers, books, and publications in the field.
- Played a significant role in shaping generations of Ayurvedic scholars and preserving classical knowledge.
3️⃣ Vaidya Bhavana Prasher
- An eminent researcher and Ayurveda scholar.
- Has dedicated over 25 years to integrating Ayurveda with modern genomics and personalized medicine.
- Known for her pioneering work in making Ayurveda relevant in the era of scientific research and evidence-based medicine.
🌍 Significance of the Award
The National Dhanwantari Ayurveda Award is not just a recognition, but a celebration of Ayurveda’s timeless wisdom. The 2025 awardees represent three dimensions of Ayurveda’s journey:
- Tradition – preserved by Astavaidyan Neelakandhan Mooss.
- Education & Literature – strengthened by Prof. Banwari Lal Gaur.
- Modern Integration – advanced by Vd. Bhavana Prasher.
Their contributions highlight how Ayurveda can continue to flourish as a system of healing while adapting to contemporary scientific challenges.
✨ Conclusion
The National Dhanwantari Ayurveda Award 2025 reaffirms the importance of Ayurveda as a pillar of India’s healthcare heritage. The awardees – Astavaidyan Neelakandhan Mooss, Prof. Banwari Lal Gaur, and Vd. Bhavana Prasher – stand as guiding lights, inspiring future generations to carry forward this ancient wisdom into the modern world.
