Prof. P K Prajapati assumes charge as Director of AIIA, New Delhi

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

Professor Pradeep Kumar Prajapati has formally assumed charge as the Director of the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi. His appointment was recently approved by the Union Cabinet, and he will serve for a tenure of five years or until the age of superannuation, whichever comes earlier.

Prof. Prajapati brings with him a distinguished career in the field of Ayurveda, marked by leadership, research, and academic excellence. Prior to this appointment, he served as Vice-Chancellor of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Rajasthan Ayurved University, Jodhpur, and was closely associated with Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar, where he contributed extensively to research and academic advancement. He began his academic journey as an Assistant Professor at the National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA), Jaipur.

A formal welcome ceremony was held at AIIA to mark the occasion, beginning with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp and the recitation of Dhanvantari Vandana. The event was attended by the former Executive Director, Prof. (Dr.) Manjusha Rajagopal, Dean (PhD) Prof. (Dr.) Mahesh Vyas, along with faculty members, medical and administrative staff, and nursing professionals. The new Director was warmly received with floral tributes from the institute community.

In his first address as Director, Prof. Prajapati expressed his gratitude and vision for the institute, stating, “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.”

Prof. (Dr.) Manjusha Rajagopal, in her remarks, extended best wishes to the new Director and emphasized the value of teamwork and collaboration. Dean Prof. (Dr.) Mahesh Vyas highlighted that Prof. Prajapati’s wide-ranging experience with leading institutions would further strengthen AIIA’s role as a centre of excellence.

Soon after assuming charge, Prof. Prajapati also took part in the valedictory session of a Continuing Medical Education (CME) program organized for faculty members, where he performed the ceremonial lamp lighting.

Prof. Prajapati holds a BAMS degree from Gurukul Kangri University and earned his MD and PhD from Banaras Hindu University (BHU). With his vast academic and administrative experience, his leadership is expected to guide AIIA in advancing Ayurveda education, research, and global outreach.