CM unveils IRIA, says Kerala leads India in holistic Ayurveda research

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday (February 25, 2026) inaugurated the International Research Institute of Ayurveda (IRIA) at Kalliad in Kannur, declaring it the country’s first comprehensive centre for Ayurveda research and calling for collective support to elevate it into a globally recognised institution.

The Chief Minister said Kerala had secured several “firsts” in the country, including establishment of India’s Digital University, the upcoming Digital Science Park, and the transshipment port at Vizhinjam. He added similar vision and public backing were essential to develop IRIA into a world-class research hub in traditional medicine.

He said Kerala must advance confidently in the scientific era by integrating traditional knowledge with modern research infrastructure. Referring to institutions such as the Graphene Innovation Centre, Water Metro, Genome Data Centre, Space Park( K-Space), and the upcoming Fire Force Academy, he added the State’s transformation was rooted in a knowledge-driven approach.

The Chief Minister underscored the need to recognise and collaborate with skilled traditional healers, whose experiential knowledge could strengthen young researchers. While cautioning against fraudulent practices, he said it would be unfair to dismiss all traditional practitioners.

“Kerala has many competent Ayurveda scholars who must be identified and respected,” he said, urging an open-minded approach from institutions and the AYUSH Ministry.

He noted that several Ayurveda graduates lacked practical knowledge of medicinal plants and formulations beyond prepared medicines. Identifying, preserving, and cultivating medicinal plants should become a priority, he said, adding that the institute’s herbal garden would be expanded substantially, even utilising additional land if required.

Highlighting the secrecy surrounding traditional medical knowledge, he said valuable formulations were lost over generations because they were not documented. Integrating such inherited wisdom with scientific validation would strengthen Ayurveda in the modern era, he added.

The government has decided to establish a framework within the institute to accord special recognition to traditional practitioners and indigenous systems of medicine, he said. The Chief Minister also launched the IRIA website on the occasion.

Presiding over the function, Health Minister Veena George described the occasion as a landmark in the history of healthcare and Ayurveda in Kerala. The institute would promote evidence-based research in Ayurveda and attract global academic collaboration, she said and added that the Malabar Cancer Centre had expressed interest in integrative cancer research, while a university in Japan had shown willingness for academic cooperation.

Additional Chief Secretary (Health and AYUSH ) Dr. Rajan N. Khobragade presented the report. MP. V. Sivadasan, MLA K.K. Shailaja, and other elected representatives and officials attended the function.