Dr. Monica B Sood, honoured at the Global Excellence in Leadership Summit & Awards (GELSA) 2024 at the UK Parliament, champions a visionary roadmap for India-UK collaboration—merging Ayurveda, healthcare and education to forge a robust partnership for 2030. In an exclusive conversation with The Pioneer, Dr. Sood shared insights on her groundbreaking efforts and the path forward
In a world gripped by chronic illnesses, mental health crisis and a burgeoning demand for holistic wellness, an ancient Indian healing tradition is quietly making its way into the heart of modern healthcare. Ayurveda, a 5,000-year-old system of medicine, is experiencing a renaissance that stretches far beyond its Indian roots, finding resonance in Western societies and influencing global health landscapes.
Sitting at the intersection of science, sustainability and spirituality, Ayurveda offers a holistic paradigm that prioritizes balance—of body, mind, and spirit—over symptom management. For centuries, Ayurveda’s principles of prevention, nature alignment and personalised care were embedded within India’s cultural tapestry. Today, in an era of integrative healthcare, its appeal transcends borders.
“With chronic disease and lifestyle disorders on the rise, particularly in Western nations, Ayurvedic medicine offers a new and powerful context for illness,” says Dr. Monica B Sood, the visionary CEO of Navjivan Group and Chairperson of the National Unity & Security Council in India. “It advocates addressing the primary causes of afflictions, not just treating symptoms. This perfectly aligns with today’s global consciousness around prevention and sustainable living.” Ayurveda’s principles have been adopted piecemeal across global wellness trends—yoga, mindfulness and plant-based diets—but its broader philosophy has long struggled to gain mainstream credibility in the West. Skepticism around its scientific rigor and misconceptions about its efficacy have often relegated it to niche circles.
The landscape, however, is shifting. With initiatives such as scientific research collaborations, university courses abroad, and cross-border trade of certified Ayurvedic products, the system is inching closer to global acceptance. “Scientific research on Ayurveda has steadily increased,” Dr. Sood explains, “paving the way for meticulous and standardised implementation in Western societies.”
The result is a new openness toward this ancient science, particularly in areas grappling with unsustainable healthcare models. “Ayurveda’s compatibility with contemporary sciences like nutrigenomics, psychology and immunology allows it to adapt seamlessly to diverse cultural and geographical settings,” she adds.
This integration was a focal point during Dr. Sood’s recent address at the UK Parliament, where she advocated for closer India-UK collaborations in health and wellness. “I highlighted India’s transformational economic trajectory and immense potential to forge partnerships with the UK in health, education, and green energy,” she says. “Combining India’s historic work in preventive medicine with the UK’s innovations in medical research can lead to solutions for global challenges—from mental health and chronic conditions to pandemic readiness.”
Specifically, Dr. Sood envisions joint research initiatives and innovation hubs bridging ancient and modern systems. “I hope this dialogue leads to tangible outcomes, such as collaborative medical research, Ayurvedic integration into mainstream care, and accessible healthcare solutions for underserved populations.”
Despite its growing traction, Ayurveda still faces significant hurdles. Scientific validation through rigorous clinical trials remains limited, and a lack of standardised regulatory frameworks undermines trust. Misconceptions persist, particularly in urban centers where allopathic medicine dominates. “There’s skepticism about Ayurveda being unscientific,” Dr. Sood concedes. “We need scientific backing, frameworks for integration, and public education to overcome these barriers.”
Globalisation adds another layer of complexity. “Many traditional practices were passed down orally and face extinction. Meanwhile, inconsistent quality control and overharvesting of medicinal plants threaten sustainability. We need policy reforms, global collaboration, and tailored responses to safeguard indigenous knowledge.” These challenges are particularly pronounced in efforts to establish Ayurvedic hospitals abroad. Cultural barriers—dietary habits, language differences, and entrenched preferences for allopathy—can slow progress. Yet, Dr. Sood sees an opportunity. “These hospitals can act as ambassadors of Ayurveda,” she explains. “They can retain authenticity while adapting to local customs, offering structured, scientifically validated care that bridges cultural gaps.”
In remote and underserved regions, digital platforms could hold the key to Ayurveda’s accessibility. Combining ancient principles with next-generation technology, these platforms promise to revolutionise Ayurvedic care. “Artificial intelligence can enable personalised health recommendations based on individual prakriti,” Dr. Sood says, referring to Ayurvedic body types. “Blockchain can authenticate medicinal products, while telemedicine can connect patients with skilled practitioners globally.”
Wearable technology could integrate Ayurvedic principles into real-time health tracking, while virtual platforms may foster global communities where patients, practitioners, and researchers collaborate. “Such platforms will drive large-scale studies and scientific validation,” she emphasises. “If applied strategically, Ayurveda could evolve into a global wellness movement.”
Amid growing mental health concerns worldwide, Ayurveda offers a refreshingly holistic approach. By addressing the mind-body connection, it emphasises prevention, resilience and daily practices to foster mental well-being. “Ayurveda’s philosophy of balance sees mental health not as isolated brain chemistry but as a dynamic interplay of physical, emotional and spiritual factors,” Dr. Sood explains.
Practical interventions, such as incorporating dinacharya (daily routines) and pranayama (breathing exercises) into school curriculums, could transform educational spaces. “Herbs like brahmi and ashwagandha, known for their cognitive and stress-relief properties, can complement synthetic therapies,” she notes.
Ayurveda’s role in addressing chronic and complex illnesses—such as Alzheimer’s, diabetes, epilepsy and cancer—represents one of its most exciting frontiers. “Brahmi and ashwagandha show immense potential in slowing cognitive decline and supporting brain health,” Dr. Sood says. “In diabetes care, herbs like methi and gurmar improve insulin sensitivity, targeting root metabolic imbalances.” Perhaps most groundbreaking is Ayurveda’s emerging role in oncology. Herbs like giloy and turmeric are being studied for their anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. “They not only help control chemotherapy side effects but may also inhibit tumor growth,” Dr. Sood explains. “It’s a remarkable fusion of ancient wisdom and modern science.”
As global healthcare systems reach breaking points, Ayurveda’s potential as a sustainable, accessible, and holistic medical model has never been more profound. “It’s time to view Ayurveda not as an alternative but as a complementary pillar of integrative medicine,” Dr. Sood says.
By championing scientific validation, fostering global partnerships, and preserving its sustainability, Ayurveda may emerge not just as India’s gift to the world, but as a necessary framework for the future of human health.
“The answers to modern healthcare crises may lie in ancient wisdom,” Dr. Sood concludes. “We must ensure that Ayurveda’s resurgence is global, inclusive, and forward-looking. Only then can its full potential be realised.”
