Patna: One of Bihar’s oldest and most respected medical institutions, Patna Ayurvedic College and Hospital, has started preparations for its grand centenary celebrations that will take place on July 26. The college administration is planning to make the occasion memorable and historic, with discussions already underway to invite Droupadi Murmu as the chief guest for the event. According to officials, a formal proposal has been sent to the state health department, which will further process the invitation for the President’s participation in the programme.
The celebrations are expected to be organised on a large scale, with cultural events, academic programmes and special ceremonies likely to be held throughout the centenary year. College principal Dr Uma Pandey said the institution will officially complete 100 years on July 26, making it an important milestone in Bihar’s educational and medical history. The administration has already begun drafting plans to ensure the celebrations reflect the college’s long contribution to Ayurvedic education and healthcare services in the region.
As part of the centenary celebrations, the college is also planning to release a commemorative postage stamp to honour the institution’s journey and achievements over the past century. Officials said the move is aimed at recognising the historical importance of the college at the national level. Principal Dr Uma Pandey and Superintendent Dr Shivaditya Thakur highlighted that the institution has deep historical roots and was founded under the guidance of Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. They also noted that the father of Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar studied at the college, adding to its legacy and emotional connection with the state.
The institution is not only focusing on celebrations but also looking toward future academic growth. At present, Patna Ayurvedic College runs 14 postgraduate courses, and preparations are underway to introduce a 15th programme from the next academic session. Under this plan, the administration wants to establish a Department of Integrated Health and Translational Research. A proposal regarding the new department has already been submitted to the health department for approval.
College authorities said the proposed department would work on combining modern medical science with traditional healing methods such as Ayurveda and Yoga. The aim is to create a better healthcare system that connects scientific research with practical treatment methods. According to Principal Dr Uma Pandey, the initiative would help bridge the gap between laboratory research and patient care while encouraging deeper study into traditional Indian medicine. Officials believe the new department could play a major role in promoting integrated healthcare and modern research in Ayurveda in the years ahead.
