Petition to the Secretary, Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India
Subject: Safeguarding the Sovereignty of Ayurveda – Urgent Action Needed

Respected Secretary Sir,

We, the undersigned Ayurvedic professionals, educators, and well-wishers of India’s heritage, appeal for immediate attention and action to protect the integrity and sovereignty of Ayurveda, our ancient system of medicine.

Background:
The growing misuse and commercialization of Ayurveda abroad are increasingly posing a serious threat to its authenticity, heritage, and professional standing of Ayurveda in the USA.

A private US entity known as NAMA (National Ayurvedic Medical Association) is promoting misleading credentials titled ‘US-Certified Ayurvedic Vaidya’ and ‘Ayurveda Doctor’ incorrectly implying governmental or academic recognition. For an annual payment, NAMA inappropriately claims to certify Ayurvedic professionals—including India-trained BAMS graduates—and threatens to de-list their certification if they do not re-qualify through an exam offered by NAMA’s own subsidiaries.

Both the Vaidya certification and Ayurveda Doctor certification

• are based on courses approved by NAMA itself, courses that follow a poor and insufficient curriculum for all levels, with minimal or no appropriate clinical training.
• provide no legal rights and protection to practice Ayurveda in the U.S.
• have no recognition by any U.S. or Indian educational, medical or professional authority.
• create confusion among the public and undermine genuine Ayurvedic education, credibility and regulation.
• exploit India’s Ayurvedic graduates by charging for false legitimacy.

This is a commercial exploitation of India’s sacred knowledge system, similar to the deconstruction, exploitation and mutilation of the science of yoga in the West. Such repeated appropriation of India’s knowledge systems weakens its authenticity and risks long-term erosion of cultural and scientific credibility.

NAMA has a history of predatory activities that do not promote the profession of authentic Ayurveda. In the past, it attempted to ‘sell’ the title of Ayurveda Doctor — a matter of which the Ministry is aware. NAMA has continued to blatantly promote Ayurveda Doctor and now the Vaidya title, despite many serious concerns and strong objections raised by the professional community. Those who purchased the right to use the title continue to display it publicly for their profession as they paid for it. The recurrence of such practices demonstrates deliberate disregard for India’s intellectual and cultural sovereignty. NAMA is making an ethical mockery of our science, our stringent training and is blatantly auctioneering ayurveda repeatedly.

Our Concerns:

• Risk to healthcare consumer safety due to misuse of “Doctor” and “Vaidya” title
• Ongoing misappropriation of India’s Ayurvedic identity and heritage
• Confusion among India-trained practitioners abroad
• Damage to the credibility and authenticity of Ayurveda globally
• Risk of Ayurveda becoming a privately controlled brand rather than an authentic life science with credible, fully trained practitioners representing it globally
• Financial influence, unethical and undemocratic control of the accreditation process and certification and credentialing process

We Urge the Ministry of AYUSH to Take These Actions:

1. Issue an Advisory to all BAMS graduates and Ayurvedic professionals
   – Clarify that such private U.S. entities have no legal or regulatory authority in India or abroad.
2. Direct Ayurvedic Universities & Colleges
   – Warn students and alumni about unauthorized international certifications such as Doctor or Vaidya.
3. Coordinate with the Ministry of External Affairs
   – Through Indian Embassies, monitor and object to any misuse or commercialization of Ayurveda’s name and credentials.

In the interest of public health and safety, we urge AYUSH Ministry to support the authenticity of Ayurveda as India’s living heritage and an effective healthcare system that should not be misappropriated or sold as a commodity in lands unaware or disrespectful of its intangible cultural value. The preservation of the dignity of Ayurveda as a treasure of Bharat should be shared with the world in good faith.

In solidarity, I sign this petition below with my
[Name and Credentials, Title, or Qualification]
[City, Country]
[Digital Signature as Endorsement]