Message from Vice-Chancellor

Message from Vice-Chancellor's Desk

Introduction

Bidushi Yogamaya Himalayan Ayurveda University (YAU), named after the celebrated reformer and spiritual leader yogamaya Neupane, is an ambitious and timely initiative by the Government of Nepal. Set in the pristine Arun Valley in Sankhuwasabha district, Eastern Nepal, YAU represents a groundbreaking effort to institutionalize, preserve, and elevate the ancient healing traditions of the Himalayan region—especially Ayurveda, Sowa-rigpa (originated and practiced in Tibet and the entire Himalayan region), herbal medicine, yoga, meditation, and other indigenous medical practices.

The university emerges at a time when Nepal's rich heritage of traditional healing systems is at risk due to the rapid pace of Eurocentric modernization, cultural erosion, and the dominance of Western biomedical models in healthcare and education. For over four millennia, the Himalayan people have relied on a sophisticated body of knowledge rooted in nature and spirituality for healing and wellness. Yet, there are few institutions today that offer formal academic pathways to learn, research, and advance these disciplines.

YAU's mandate is broad and in reality multidisciplinary. Its academic offerings will include the foundational, undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and postdoctoral programs in Ayurvedic medicine, holistic health sciences, yoga philosophy, Sowa-rigpa (Tibetan medicine), traditional pharmacology, and comparative ancient philosophies. Unlike conventional universities, YAU intends to adopt an integrative pedagogy—blending theoretical instruction with practical community-based learning, drawing from fieldwork, oral traditions, and experiential methodologies.

The university will also function as a research and innovation hub, a cultural repository, and a center for sustainable development. Students will not only learn healing techniques but also explore the ecological, linguistic, historical, and metaphysical frameworks that sustain traditional knowledge. This model ensures that healing is understood not only as a biomedical pursuit but also as a cultural, environmental, and spiritual act.

International in aspiration yet deeply rooted in Nepali traditions, YAU seeks to attract students and scholars from across the globe. Its serene, bio-diverse location makes it an ideal setting for immersive research, academic retreats, and wellness programs, adding to Nepal's soft power and educational diplomacy.

Holistic Vision

YAU envisions a transformative model of education that is deeply connected with the needs of society and the sustainable development of the national economy. The university's foundational philosophy is based on interconnectedness—the belief that education should not be isolated from the world but must actively serve communities, cultures, and ecosystems.

Education as Transformation

At YAU, education is not merely a transmission of knowledge—it is a process of transformation that empowers students to become custodians of tradition, agents of innovation, and leaders in sustainable development. The curriculum will emphasize field-based research, internships with traditional healers, practical applications in community clinics, observing and working in herbal farms, and international collaboration with other centers of alternative medicine.

Courses will be designed to be interdisciplinary, enabling students to engage with botany and particularly ethno-botany, pharmacology, cultural studies, classical languages of the region, religious studies, and public health through the lens of traditional healing. Such a holistic education produces well-rounded graduates who can apply their skills in diverse sectors including healthcare, academia and education, agroforestry, and culture and tourism.

Society as a Learning Partner

Rather than treating society as a passive beneficiary, YAU places it at the heart of its mission. Local communities, especially indigenous knowledge holders, will be seen as co-educators. Their wisdom, passed down through generations, will be integrated into curricula, research projects, and knowledge documentation initiatives. In return, YAU will offer them access to quality healthcare, support in preserving cultural practices, and economic opportunities.

Economy as a Driver of Sustainability

The traditional health sector in Nepal holds vast untapped economic potential. From herbal medicine industries and Ayurvedic product manufacturing to eco-tourism and wellness retreats, the sector can contribute significantly to employment, exports, and local entrepreneurship.

YAU intends to function as an economic incubator by:

  • Supporting herbal farmers and cooperatives.
  • Training practitioners for employment in the healthcare and hospitality sectors.
  • Promoting Ayurveda, Sowa-rigpa and local nature and culture based tourism and therapeutic retreats.
  • Generating intellectual property in the form of patented herbal remedies and branded health services.

This integrated approach can diversify Nepal's economy while promoting culturally aligned, environmentally conscious development.

Strengths and Opportunities

A realistic appraisal of the university's internal and external context reveals a mix of powerful strengths and urgent challenges that must be strategically addressed.

Strengths

  • Government Backing: Legally established through parliamentary legislation, with federal provincial and local political and Government administrative support.
  • Location and Heritage: Set in a bio-diverse, spiritually rich Himalayan region with a living tradition of healing and natural herbal production.
  • Unique Mandate: First of its kind in Nepal to focus exclusively on Ayurveda, Sowa-rigpa and other alternative healing systems.
  • Cultural Relevance: Addresses national goals of cultural preservation and indigenous empowerment.

Opportunities

  • Global Demand: Rising international interest in holistic health and wellness in the present post-modern world.
  • Tourism Synergy: Potential for health retreats and educational tourism.
  • Research Frontiers: Opportunities for ethnobotany, integrative medicine, and climate-linked health research.
  • Policy Influence: Ability to shape national healthcare models through evidence-based integration of CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine).

Strategy for Self-Sustainability and Becoming a Center of Excellence

To fulfill its mission and survive in a competitive and resource-constrained environment, YAU must adopt a forward-looking, multi-pronged strategy that ensures both academic excellence and financial sustainability.

Phase 1: Foundation and Governance (2025–2026)

  • Finalize Vision, Mission, and Values: Through stakeholder workshops and consultations.
  • Establish Core Leadership: Appoint experienced Chancellor, faculty heads, and administrative team.
  • Curriculum Development: Create programs aligned with Nepal's education framework and global Ayurvedic standards.
  • Build Infrastructure: Develop green campus, labs, libraries, herbal gardens, and digital classrooms.

Phase 2: Academic and Community Launch (2026–2027)

  • Start Academic Programs: Launch Bachelor's programs in Ayurveda, Yoga, and Indigenous Healing.
  • Community Clinics: Establish rural health centers operated by students and faculty.
  • Traditional Knowledge Documentation: Create a digital archive of oral traditions, therapies, and plant lore.
  • Alumni and Mentor Network: Build linkages with established practitioners and scholars.

Phase 3: Economic Activation and Research (2027–2028)

  • strong>YAU Research Center: Focused on medicinal plants, ethnopharmacology, and comparative healing systems.
  • Product and Service Development: Herbal products, oils, teas, and dietary supplements developed in-house.
  • Tourism and Retreat Programs: Design wellness packages for international visitors.
  • Partnerships and Grants: Seek support from WHO, UNESCO, CSR arms of private companies, and philanthropic organizations.

Phase 4: Global Outreach and Sustainability (2028–2029)

  • Online Courses and Certifications: Monetize education through digital learning platforms.
  • International Collaboration: MoUs with Indian, European, and East Asian CAM universities.
  • Endowment and Fundraising: Launch YAU Endowment Fund and alumni-driven giving initiatives.
  • Performance Monitoring: Regular audits, impact assessments, and global benchmarking.
Vice-Chancellor
Prof. Dr. Ramesh Kumar Dhungel

Vice-Chancellor

Vidushi Yogamaya Himalayan Ayurveda University

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Contact Information

Office: Vice-Chancellor's Office

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +977-9823057001

Address: Sankhuwasabha, Eastern Nepal