Professor Pradeep Kumar Prajapati formally assumed charge on September 13, 2025 as the Director of the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi.
Prior to this appointment, Prof. Prajapati served as the Vice-Chancellor of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Rajasthan Ayurved University, Jodhpur. He has also been associated for a long period with Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar, contributing significantly to research and academic development. He began his academic career as an Assistant Professor at the National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA), Jaipur.
A formal welcome ceremony was organised at AIIA to mark the occasion. The event began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp and a Dhanvantari Vandana. The institute’s former Executive Director, Prof. (Dr.) Manjusha Rajagopal, Dean (PhD) Prof. (Dr.) Mahesh Vyas, and a large number of academic, medical, administrative, and nursing staff were present. All attendees extended a warm welcome to the new Director by presenting floral bouquets.
In his first address as Director, Prof. Prajapati said, “It is a matter of great pride and honour for me to have the opportunity to serve Ayurveda at this esteemed institution. With the government’s vision of taking Ayurveda to the masses, I am confident that, with the collective support of all, AIIA will achieve global recognition in the years to come.”
Former Executive Director Prof. (Dr.) Manjusha Rajagopal, in her welcome remarks, expressed gratitude to all and reaffirmed her commitment to team spirit and collaborative work. Dean Prof. (Dr.) Mahesh Vyas highlighted that Prof. Prajapati’s experience with premier institutions in the country will help take AIIA to new heights.
Immediately after assuming charge, Prof. Prajapati participated in the valedictory session of a Continuing Medical Education (CME) program organized for faculty at the institute, where he also performed the ceremonial lamp lighting.
Prof. Prajapati holds a BAMS degree from Gurukul Kangri University and obtained his MD and PhD from Banaras Hindu University (BHU).
It is noteworthy that his appointment as Director of AIIA was approved by the Union Cabinet. As per the terms, he will serve for a period of five years from the date of assuming charge or until the age of superannuation, whichever is earlier.
