Gujarat Ayurved University
| Type | Public |
|---|---|
| Established | 1966 |
| Chancellor | Dr. Shrimati Kamla |
| Vice-Chancellor | Vd.Rajesh Kotecha |
| Location | Jamnagar, Gujarat, India |
| Campus | Rural |
| Affiliations | UGC |
| Website | www.ayurveduniversity.edu.in |
Gujarat Ayurved University is located in Jamnagar, Gujarat, India. It is the first statutory university of its kind, both at national and international level, exclusively devoted to Ayurvedic studies and research.
History
Gujarat Ayurved University was founded as part of the reorganization of Ayurveda, after India gained independence from Britain in August 1947. The British had suppressed the practice of Ayurveda, especially Kaya Kalpa, the ancient Yogic rejuvenation therapies.
Offerings
Courses available are B.A.M.S., M.D. (Ayu), Ph.D. (Ayu), B.Pharma (Ayu), M.Pharma (Ayu), P.G. Diploma in Yoga and Naturopathy, Introductory Course in Ayurveda, Certificate Course in Yoga and Naturopathy, M.Sc. in Medicinal Plants, B.Sc. (Yoga), and Ph.D. in Medicinal Plants.
Jamnagar has the only course specifically for foreign students, where the teachers are not able to slip into speaking the vernacular, as they would when English speakers are mixed among the Indian students. This makes it more attractive to foreign students, despite the fact that English is the medium of teaching in almost all Ayurvedic colleges in India.
Role
Ayurveda is enjoying a revival in India, but the teaching methods in the universities, including Gujarat Ayurveda University, are far below western standards and focuses little on the yogic aspects of ayurveda. Marma therapy and Ayurvedic pulse diagnosis are not taught there, but due to the rich environment of other scholars, teachers of these adjunct sciences are to be found. Prospective students should be prepared for a do it yourself kind of education. The cultural and language differences are challenging, as well as the pollution and noise of the city.
However, the ancient science of Ayurveda is alive and well under the less than impressive exterior of the university campus. Research is being conducted at the postgraduate level on many modern illnesses.
It is a government institution and therefore the tuition fees have remained under control, unlike private Ayurvedic colleges in other parts of India.
The university has partnered with the California College of Ayurveda in the United States in order to develop international standards for Ayurvedic education.[1]