Govt. Ayurvedic College and Hospital

About Ayurveda and the Founding of the College

• Meaning of Ayurveda:
  The term Ayurveda is derived from two Sanskrit words — “Ayu” (life) and “Veda” (knowledge), meaning “the science of life.” It is both a medical system and a holistic way of living.

• Cultural Significance:
  Ayurveda represents a traditional Indian approach to health and wellness, deeply rooted in the country’s cultural and spiritual heritage.

• Historical Context:
  During the Indian freedom struggle, prominent leaders from Assam envisioned the need to promote and preserve the indigenous Ayurvedic system amid the growing influence of Western practices introduced during British rule.

• Founding Vision:
  Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s call for Swaraj (self-rule) and cultural self-reliance, leaders like Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi, Dr. Jagdish Chandra Bhattacharya, and Dr. Bhubaneswar Baruah played key roles in establishing an Ayurvedic institution in Assam.

• Establishment:
  The Government Ayurvedic College was established on 20th December 1948 to promote and institutionalize Ayurveda in Northeast India.

• Early Location:
  Initially, the college operated from the Assam Engineering Institute (AEI) campus in Chandmari, Guwahati.

• Current Campus:
  The college was later shifted to its permanent location at Jalukbari, Guwahati.

• Contribution to Medical Education:
  During its formative years, Gauhati Medical College also held its initial classes within the premises of the Ayurvedic College.