In a significant step towards integrating traditional Indian healing practices with modern disability rehabilitation, the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, has approved a series of collaborative research projects with the Ministry of AYUSH. These initiatives focus on leveraging Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy to enhance the quality of life for persons with disabilities (PwDs), including those with neurodiversity, blood disorders, hearing impairments, physical disabilities, and age-related conditions.

The approvals were granted during the 19th Governing Body Meeting of the National Fund for Persons with Disabilities, chaired by Shri Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary, DEPwD. Emphasizing holistic and evidence- based approaches, the projects aim to bridge research gaps, promote integrative therapies, and foster inclusive well-being for PwDs across India.

Key highlights of the sanctioned projects include:

 Establishment of AYUSH Center for Research in Neurodiversity at NIEPID, Secunderabad: Exploring traditional systems for supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities, autism, ADHD, and related conditions through interdisciplinary research and capacity building.

 Collaboration for Rehabilitation of Blood Disorders at SVNIRTAR, Odisha: Integrating Ayurvedic interventions like "Raktamrut Vati" for Thalassemia, Hemophilia, and Sickle Cell Anemia.

 Impact of Yoga on Well-being at AYJNISHD, Mumbai: Analyzing Yoga's benefits for students with deafness and their parents.

 Occupational Therapy with Yoga for Older Adults at PDUNIPPD, New Delhi: Studying combined effects on physical, cognitive, and functional outcomes.

 Ayurveda and Panchakarma for Knee Osteoarthritis at PDUNIPPD, New Delhi: Comparing Ayurvedic procedures with physiotherapeutic interventions.

 Ayurveda, OT, and VR for Cerebral Palsy at PDUNIPPD, New Delhi: Evaluating effectiveness on gross motor functions in children.

 Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment vs Insulin for Diabetic Adhesive

Capsulitis at PDUNIPPD, New Delhi: Assessing physiotherapy outcomes in diabetic patients.

 

A total of Rs. 5.26 Crore has been sanctioned under the National Fund for these projects, to be implemented through premier national institutes such as NIEPID (Secunderabad), SVNIRTAR (Odisha), AYJNISHD (Mumbai), and PDUNIPPD (New Delhi). The initiatives underscore DEPwD's commitment to public-private partnerships, policy advocacy, and scalable models, ensuring continuity even in the absence of direct AYUSH support.

This collaboration aligns with national priorities under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and global frameworks like the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing, positioning India as a leader in inclusive, culturally rooted disability care.

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KV

(Release ID: 2168333)