The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has brought researchers, clinicians, academic representatives and industry professionals together to discuss consistent standards for Indian traditional healthcare. Its AYUSH Department organised national events on Ayurveda, Yoga and Sowa-Rigpa, drawing more than 600 participants. The initiative aims to align traditional knowledge with reliable quality assessment and improve trust in AYUSH services.
PRAGATI 2026: discussing standards for Ayurveda and Yoga
The PRAGATI 2026 seminar in Belagavi, Karnataka, drew 600 attendees. BIS collaborated with KLE Shri BMK Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya and the KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research to host it. BIS Scientist-E and AYUSH Head Shrishti Dixit spoke about developing Indian Standards and India's role in international standardisation through ISO. Speakers also highlighted the value of clear standards for patient safety, clinical quality, research and regulation. Topics included:
Consistent terminology, educational criteria and clinical guidance to support Ayurveda and Yoga training and practice.
Dr Bindu Indira of Himalaya Wellness Company and Dr Srinivas Patil of the Karnataka AYUSH Drugs Manufacturers Association discussed how BIS certification could help emerging businesses establish trust and reach markets.
An open discussion led by Professor Kashinath Samagandi of the All India Institute of Ayurveda and Vaidya Jayant Deopujari, chair of the BIS Ayurveda Sectional Committee, considered the difficulties of using standards in education, research, production and clinical settings.
Sowa-Rigpa standards discussed in Ladakh
A brainstorming session at the National Institute of Sowa-Rigpa in Leh accompanied the BIS section committee's 5th meeting. Those present included Padma Shree Dr Padma Gurmet, the committee chair and founding NISR director; Dr Arjun Singh of the Ayurvedic research council; Dr Usama Akram of the Unani medicine research council; and BIS representative Dr Mahe Alam. Main areas of discussion were:
Testing standards for medicinal plants, raw ingredients and prepared formulations, including laboratory methods, medicine safety, quality assurance and pharmacopoeial requirements.
Approaches for protecting traditional knowledge and identifying products through patents, trademarks and geographical indications.
Institutions supporting the events included the All India Institute of Ayurveda, National Commission for Indian System of Medicine, and councils for Unani and Ayurvedic research. BIS said it would maintain engagement with educators and industry and facilitate online portals for submitting standardisation proposals.
As India's national standards body, BIS develops standards and conformity assessment processes. Its specialist AYUSH work focuses on reliable quality requirements for traditional Indian medical systems.