Trade pact opens doors for AYUSH practitioners in EU-member states: PM Modi
New Delhi (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said the practitioners of Indian traditional systems of medicine will now be able to provide their services in the European Union countries, following the historic India-EU trade pact.
AYUSH practitioners will be able to provide their services in the EU member states, based on professional qualifications earned in India, which will greatly benefit the youngsters associated with ayurveda and yoga, Modi said at the centenary celebrations of the Arya Vaidyasala Charitable Hospital in Kerala.
In a video message, the prime minister said the recently-announced historic trade agreement with the EU will give a major boost to Indian traditional medicine services and practitioners.
He said the pact will also help establish AYUSH wellness centres in Europe and extended his congratulations to all dignitaries associated with ayurveda and AYUSH for this achievement.
Modi said India has been treating people through ayurveda for centuries, but it is unfortunate that within the country and largely abroad, efforts have been required to explain its importance.
He said a major reason for this has been the lack of evidence-based research and research papers.
The prime minister said when ayurvedic methods are tested on the principles of science, public trust becomes stronger.
He expressed happiness that the Arya Vaidyasala has consistently tested ayurveda on the touchstone of science and research, working in collaboration with institutions like the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT).
Modi pointed out that the institution has focussed on drug research, clinical research and cancer care, and with the support of the Ministry of Ayush, the establishment of a Centre of Excellence for cancer research marks an important step in this direction.
The prime minister said the Arya Vaidyasala has played a significant role in preserving, protecting and advancing ayurveda, and recalled the contributions of its founder, Vaidyaratnam P S Varier.
Modi said the Arya Vaidyasala is a living symbol of India's healing tradition that has served humanity for centuries.
He said ayurveda in India has never been confined to an era or a region and in every age, this ancient medical system has shown the way to understand life, create balance and harmonise with nature.
The Arya Vaidyasala manufactures more than 600 ayurvedic medicines and its hospitals across different parts of the country treat patients through ayurvedic methods, including patients from over 60 countries, the prime minister noted.
He said the Arya Vaidyasala has earned this trust through its work and when people are in distress, the institution becomes a great source of hope for them.
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Annamalai left out of BJP’s candidate list for Tamil Nadu polls, party cites High Command decision
Chennai/New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party has released its list of 27 candidates for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, triggering political discussion after the absence of former state president K Annamalai from the roster.
Despite being widely seen as the party’s most prominent face in the state and a key figure in its southern expansion strategy, Annamalai was not fielded in the list. Senior leaders, including Tamilisai Soundararajan from Mylapore, Vanathi Srinivasan from Coimbatore North, and Union Minister L. Murugan from Avinashi, have been nominated.
Responding to questions on the omission, Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagendran said the decision was taken by the party’s central leadership. He expressed confidence that all 27 candidates would emerge victorious in the polls.
Annamalai, a former IPS officer who joined the BJP in 2020 and rapidly rose to prominence, had earlier been replaced as state chief by Nagendran. Known for his aggressive political style and grassroots outreach, he has been instrumental in amplifying the party’s presence in Tamil Nadu, a state traditionally dominated by Dravidian parties.
In a message posted on X, Annamalai congratulated the candidates and reaffirmed his commitment to the party. He said he would campaign actively for BJP and NDA nominees, expressing confidence in the alliance securing a decisive mandate. He also criticised the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam government, calling it ineffective and self-serving.
The BJP is contesting the elections as part of the National Democratic Alliance led by the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. Seat-sharing arrangements allocate 169 constituencies to the AIADMK, 27 to the BJP, 18 to the Pattali Makkal Katchi, 11 to the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam, five to the Tamil Maanila Congress, and one seat each to the Indhiya Jananayaga Katchi and Puratchi Bharatham.
Tamil Nadu will vote in a single phase on April 23 across all 234 constituencies, with counting scheduled for May 4. The primary contest is expected between the DMK-led alliance and the AIADMK-led NDA, although actor-turned-politician Vijay is also positioning himself as a potential challenger, raising the possibility of a multi-cornered contest.
#WATCH | Chennai | Tamil Nadu BJP President Nainar Nagendran says, "A list of 27 candidates has been released by the BJP High Command... All the 27 candidates will surely win this time..."
— ANI (@ANI) April 3, 2026
On Annamalai's name not appearing in the recently released list, he says, "This is a… https://t.co/pDd0HodSAW pic.twitter.com/29gkGK9AaP
