Vice-President C P Radhakrishnan inaugurated the 9th Siddha Day celebrations at Chennai's Kalaivanar Arangam on Friday, delivering a powerful endorsement of the ancient Indian medical system. He framed Siddha not as a historical artifact but as a vibrant, living tradition deeply embedded in the nation's civilizational wisdom.
A Holistic Answer to Modern Health Crises
Paying respects to sage Agathiyar, considered the first Siddhar, the Vice-President emphasized the contemporary relevance of Siddha and other AYUSH systems. He stated they offer a holistic, root-cause-based approach to health, which is particularly crucial in today's world grappling with lifestyle diseases and environmental challenges. Radhakrishnan called for a dual focus: preserving the ethical core of Siddha while actively pushing for its global scientific acceptance.
He urged institutions and the new generation of researchers to rigorously document and validate Siddha practices, aiming to present them convincingly to a worldwide audience. This push for scientific validation found resonance with other dignitaries at the event.
Government Push: From WHO Codes to a New University
Minister of State for AYUSH, Prataprao Jadhav, highlighted a significant milestone for Siddha's international integration. He announced that the inclusion of Siddha Morbidity Codes in the WHO's International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) is set to substantially strengthen the system's global standing and credibility.
Providing a state-level perspective, Tamil Nadu's Health Minister Ma Subramanian shared concrete developments and achievements. He revealed that a landmark Bill to establish the Tamil Nadu Siddha Medical University was passed for the second time in the State Assembly on October 17, 2025, and has now been sent for the President's assent. This university is poised to become a central hub for Siddha education and research.
Tamil Nadu's AYUSH Infrastructure and Pandemic Role
Minister Subramanian also detailed the financial and infrastructural commitment to AYUSH in the state. He disclosed that a substantial sum of ₹239 crore has been allocated for AYUSH systems over the past five years. This investment has translated into tangible facilities, with Tamil Nadu now boasting 1,653 integrated AYUSH treatment units working alongside allopathic hospitals. Out of these, a significant 770 are permanent Siddha units.
Highlighting Siddha's proven utility in recent times, the Minister pointed to the pivotal role of the Siddha formulation Kabasura Kudineer during the COVID-19 pandemic. He stated it played a significant part in managing infections within Tamil Nadu and was even supplied as aid to neighboring countries like Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Singapore.
The event collectively underscored a firm governmental and institutional drive to position Siddha medicine as a globally relevant, scientifically-backed healthcare alternative, rooted in tradition but geared for the future.
