Tanuja Nesari

Biography and Expertise of Tanuja Nesari

Professor Tanuja Nesari is one of India’s most influential voices in the field of Ayurveda, blending deep traditional knowledge with a modern, evidence-based approach to public health. As the Director of the Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (ITRA), Jamnagar, she leads an institution at the forefront of Ayurvedic education and research. Her work is a powerful example of South-South collaboration, strengthening the scientific foundations of traditional medicine in line with global standards.

Her expertise directly addresses the 3rd WCTCIM’s Thematic Axis, “Integration of TCIM into Health Systems.” This is evident from her role as Convener of the Working Group for formulating an Integrative Health System for NITI Aayog, India’s premier policy think tank. Consequently, her contributions are shaping national policies to create a synergistic healthcare model. Professor Tanuja Nesari‘s career embodies the congress motto pillar of “Knowledge Diversity,” as she champions the rich, codified system of Ayurveda on the global stage.

Furthermore, her leadership is instrumental in implementing the principles of the Gujarat Declaration and the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025-2034. By promoting rigorous scientific validation of Ayurvedic treatments for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health, she contributes vital evidence for building sustainable “Well-being Societies.” Her vision and strategic efforts are helping to position traditional Indian medicine as a credible solution to contemporary health challenges worldwide.

Professional Career

The professional trajectory of Professor Tanuja Nesari showcases a steady ascent to positions of responsibility within India’s health and education sectors. Her career is characterized by an ability to manage complex academic institutions, lead national health initiatives, and contribute to international policy. This journey reflects a commitment to advancing Ayurveda from a traditional practice to a globally recognized medical system.

Each role allowed her to expand her impact, from shaping future practitioners to developing national standards and fostering international collaborations. Her leadership consistently resulted in institutional growth and enhanced credibility for Ayush systems.

• Director, Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (ITRA), Jamnagar: Leads India’s premier institution for Ayurvedic studies, an entity of national importance.
• Former Director, All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi: Spearheaded significant growth, achieving A++ NAAC accreditation and establishing a satellite center.
• Chief Executive Officer, National Medicinal Plant Board (NMPB): Held additional charge, overseeing policies on medicinal plant conservation, cultivation, and trade.
• Dean, Faculty of Ayurveda, Unani & Homoeopathy Medicines, Delhi University: Guided academic programs and curriculum at a major university.
• Additional Director (Academics) & Medical Superintendent, Ch. Brahm Prakash Ayu. Charak Sansthan, Delhi: Managed academic and clinical operations in a large government institution.
• Principal & Medical Superintendent, Tilak Ayurvedic College, Pune: Led a historic Ayurvedic college, managing its educational and healthcare services.

Academic Leadership and Educational Impact

Professor Tanuja Nesari has dedicated over three decades to Ayurvedic education, establishing herself as a leading mentor and academic administrator. Her influence extends far beyond the classroom, shaping the very structure of Ayush education in India. Her commitment to excellence is a core component of her legacy, ensuring that future generations of practitioners are trained to the highest standards of both traditional knowledge and scientific inquiry.

Her work directly aligns with the congress’s Thematic Axis on “TCIM Education and Training.” By supervising nearly 100 postgraduate and doctoral scholars, she has cultivated a new cohort of leaders and researchers. This mentorship is crucial for building the human resource capacity needed to sustain and grow integrative medicine globally. Professor Tanuja Nesari‘s efforts have been foundational in creating robust educational frameworks that can be replicated and adapted worldwide.

• Supervision of Scholars: Successfully guided approximately 95 M.D. and Ph.D. scholars, fostering a new generation of Ayurvedic experts.
• Institutional Accreditation: Led the All India Institute of Ayurveda to achieve a prestigious A++ grade from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) in its very first cycle.
• Curriculum Development: As Dean at Delhi University and in other leadership roles, she has played a key part in modernizing and standardizing Ayurvedic curricula.
• International Academic Collaborations: Instrumental in signing over 70 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) at AIIA, including 17 international agreements, to promote global academic exchange.

Research, Innovation, and Publications

Professor Tanuja Nesari‘s career is firmly rooted in a commitment to scientific research as the key to unlocking the full potential of Ayurveda. She has been the Principal Investigator for over 30 clinical research projects, many of which involve international collaborations with institutions in the UK, USA, and Germany. Her research focuses on critical public health issues, including medicinal plants, mental health, and non-communicable diseases, directly supporting the congress theme of “Contributions of TCIM to Global Public Health (Evidence-Based).”

Her prolific publication record includes over 200 articles in indexed journals and 20 authored books. The translation of her works into multiple languages, such as German and Marathi, extends the reach of Ayurvedic knowledge to diverse global audiences. This extensive body of work provides a solid evidence base for clinicians and policymakers, reinforcing the principles of the Gujarat Declaration.

Beyond her own research, Professor Tanuja Nesari fosters a culture of innovation. Her role as a Distinguished Expert Member on the Governing Body of the National Innovation Foundation (NIF) underscores her dedication to identifying and nurturing grassroots innovations in traditional medicine. This forward-looking approach ensures that ancient wisdom continues to evolve through modern scientific exploration and application, creating sustainable health solutions.

Awards and Global Recognition

The exceptional contributions of Professor Tanuja Nesari to the field of Ayurveda have been recognized both nationally and internationally. These accolades highlight her role as a global ambassador for traditional Indian medicine and acknowledge her transformative leadership in research, education, and healthcare administration. Such honors underscore the growing global respect for evidence-based traditional practices.

These awards are not merely personal achievements; they represent institutional validation of the direction she has charted for premier Ayurvedic institutions. They affirm the success of her efforts to integrate Ayurveda into the mainstream with scientific rigor and clinical excellence.

• “Ayurveda Ratna” Award: This prestigious honor was conferred by the Indo-UK All-Party Parliamentary Group for Traditional Sciences (ITS-APPG), recognizing her outstanding contributions to the global understanding and promotion of Ayurveda.
• NAAC A++ Accreditation for AIIA: Under her directorship, the All India Institute of Ayurveda achieved the highest possible grade from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council in its inaugural cycle, a landmark achievement and a testament to her institutional leadership.
• COVID-19 Healthcare Leadership: She played a pivotal role in converting the AIIA Hospital into a dedicated COVID Healthcare Centre, providing holistic Ayurveda treatment free of cost, a significant service to public health during the pandemic.

Connect with Professor Nesari

To further explore the work and contributions of Professor Tanuja Nesari, you can visit her official institutional profile and connect with her through professional networks. These platforms provide additional information on her ongoing projects, publications, and leadership activities in the field of Ayurveda and integrative health.

Official Profile at ITRA, Jamnagar: View Institutional Profile

LinkedIn Profile: Connect on LinkedIn