The Central Council for Indian Medicine (CCIM) is a professional council under the University Grants Commission (UGC) that monitors higher education in the Indian systems of medicine such as Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani in India.

Formed under the Department of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, the council came into being in 1971.

It was constituted under the Indian Medicine Central Council Act (Act 48) of 1970.

The council frames and regulates curriculum and syllabus at undergraduate and graduate levels to ensure quality education and help make students into successful practitioners.

Every five years, the council selects new board members who serve during the tenured period.

Recently, the council unanimously selected Br. Dr. Sankara Chaitanya, Medical Director, Amrita School of Ayurveda as its honored board member.

Br. Dr. Sankara Chaitanya’s selection to the esteemed national council marks a first for Amrita.

“It is a matter of great pride for all of us. We are excited that Amrita School of Ayurveda is represented in the national council and has the opportunity to help steer the path of holistic medicine in this country,” stated Registrar, Dr. Krishnamoorthy.

When asked about his views on the present state of Ayurveda education in the nation, Br. Dr. Sankara Chaitanya expressed hope at its resurgence, adding some important insights.

“Students should focus on making Ayurveda a part of their lives. Only then, will they truly experience its remarkable values, and treat the diseased effectively,” he stated.

“The need of the Gurukula system of education of ancient times is felt even in this modern scenario,” he noted.

Br. Dr. Sankara Chaitanya had the opportunity to discuss these points and others at great length with the CCIM President, Dr. Veda Prakash Tyagi, when he visited the Amrita School of Ayurveda in March 2013.

Dr. Tyagi had expressed his deep desire for making Ayurveda the first choice of treatment for people in the Indian society. “I feel a little dejected at seeing the current state in various colleges across the country, where there is lack of discipline, malpractices in the examination hall and absence of value-based education,” he had pointed out.

“Quality education should be our motto. We should aim to raise the standards of education in Ayurveda. This will also help enhance the recognition and appreciation of Ayurveda globally,” he had emphasized.

Dr. Tyagi had spent a day in the serene campus of the Amrita School of Ayurveda. He had also visited the ashram across the backwaters to meet with Chancellor Amma. Overall, he was very impressed by the amenities and facilities provided for students at Amrita. He happily noted the sense of discipline that prevailed and the morals that were inculcated.

As a member of the CCIM for the past 20 years, Dr. Tyagi has been a recipient of the Ayurveda Choodamani Award by the Uttar Pradesh Ayurveda Sammelan. He was elected as President of CCIM in July 2012.

“Dr. Tyagi is the first CCIM President to visit our institution. We have had 6 Presidents thus far,” shared Dr. Unnikrishnan, Principal, Amrita School of Ayurveda.

During his trip, Dr. Tyagi also visited the Amrita School of Biotechnology, Amrita School of Engineering and Amrita School of Arts and Sciences on the same campus.

May 10, 2013
School of Ayurveda, Amritapuri