Prof. Pradeep Kumar Prajapati has formally assumed charge as the new Director of the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi.

Prior to this appointment, Prof. Prajapati served as Vice-Chancellor of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Rajasthan Ayurved University, Jodhpur. 

He has also been closely associated with Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar, where he contributed significantly to research and academic activities. His career began as an Assistant Professor at the National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur.

The assumption of office was marked by a welcome ceremony that began with the traditional lighting of the lamp and invocation to Lord Dhanvantari. 

The event was attended by a large gathering of academic, medical, administrative, and nursing staff, including former Acting Director Prof. (Dr.) Manjusha Rajgopal and Dean (PhD) Prof. (Dr.) Mahesh Vyas. Members of the institute welcomed the new Director with floral bouquets.

In his first address after taking charge, Prof. Prajapati expressed gratitude and a sense of responsibility:

“It is a matter of pride and privilege for me to serve Ayurveda in this capacity. With the government’s commitment to take Ayurveda to the masses, and with your cooperation, we will certainly succeed in giving the All India Institute of Ayurveda a strong global identity.”

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. (Dr.) Manjusha Rajgopal thanked the institute’s fraternity and emphasized the importance of teamwork, while Dean Prof. (Dr.) Mahesh Vyas highlighted that Prof. Prajapati’s experience across premier institutions will take AIIA to greater heights.

Soon after assuming charge, Prof. Prajapati also participated in the valedictory ceremony of a Continuing Medical Education (CME) programme for faculty members, where he lit the ceremonial lamp.

Prof. Prajapati holds a BAMS degree from Gurukul Kangri University, and MD as well as PhD from Banaras Hindu University (BHU). 

His appointment as Director of AIIA was approved by the Union Cabinet, and his tenure will extend for five years from the date of assuming charge or until his age of superannuation, whichever is earlier.