Puducherry, India. 23 July, 2025- The inaugural session of the World Siddha Forum, a global platform for collaboration and innovation, was officially commenced at Sri Aurobindo Society, Union Territory of Puducherry on 23 July, 2025.

This united effort is being made possible with the support of the Directorate of AYUSH, Puducherry; premier institutions under the Ministry of AYUSH—namely,  Central Council for Research in Siddha (CCRS) and  National Institute of Siddha (NIS); as well as the Transdisciplinary University (TDU) and Sri Aurobindo Society.

Hon’ble Chief Minister of Puducherry, Thiru N. Rangaswamy through his inception message of the World Siddha Forum conveyed that “Puducherry, known as the Land of Siddhars, is enriched and surrounded by the profound wisdom and traditions of Siddha heritage.”

The Chief Minister further pointed that “the World Siddha Forum aspires to facilitate the Global expansion of Siddha across the domain of academics, research, outreach and industry ensuring that its time-honoured principles find contemporary relevance in the present global health and wellness scenario.” The Chief Minister conveyed his best wishes for the success of the World Siddha Forum and continuation of the WSF to receive the divine blessings of the Siddhars in its journey towards universal health and wellbeing.

At the momentous occasion of the forum’s launch, Dr. Kishor Kumar Tripathy, Member Secretary of AuroBharati, Sri Aurobindo Society, highlighted the rich legacy of the Siddha tradition drawing insights from Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, which was founded by Maharshi Agastya. Prof. G. Hariramamurthi from Trans-disciplinary University underscored the importance of the WSF in influencing public health policy and health systems.

Dr. Indira, the Director of AYUSH in the Department of Health and Family Welfare for the Government of Puducherry, brought attention to the various initiatives that the Department of AYUSH has undertaken to promote Siddha. Dr. Sathya Rajeswaran, Head of the Siddha Regional Research Institute at CCRS, Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, discussed the vision, mission, programs, and activities of the World Siddha Forum.

Prominent speakers, such as Dr. G. Sivaraman from the Tamil Nadu Planning Board, Government of Tamil Nadu; Prof. K. Jagannathan, Former President of the Board of Unani, Siddha, and Sowarigpa; and Dr. K. Manoharan, President of the Yoga University of the Americas, along with esteemed Siddha Scholars, Researchers, Practitioners, and Medicine Manufacturers, shared their innovative ideas on promoting Siddha heritage for global health and wellness.

The primary objective of the World Siddha Forum (WSF) is to provide a collective and inclusive platform to promote Siddha-based scientific initiatives—both across India and internationally. This includes countries where the Indian diaspora is present, especially where Siddha philosophy, principles, and practices are being embraced—formally or informally—for holistic health and wellbeing.

The event brought together Siddha practitioners, distinguished scholars, Siddha healers, industry experts, and stakeholders from various sectors to celebrate and promote the ancient Siddha system, emphasizing its relevance in contemporary healthcare and holistic well-being. The World Siddha Forum seeks to position Siddha as a globally recognized and respected Indian System of  Medicine.

The WSF aims to play a pivotal role in shaping public health policy and health system planning, both at the state and central levels in India. It also seeks to engage with national and international health policy frameworks in collaboration with policymakers and implementers from various member nations of the World Health Organization (WHO).

This global initiative will ensure that the scientific essence and values of Siddha philosophy are recognized, respected, and integrated into transdisciplinary health education, research, and outreach strategies worldwide.

From Sri Aurobindo Society, Mrs. Charu Tripathy co-ordinated for the organization of the event.