Mauritius Becomes First Nation to Integrate Ayurvedic Diet into School Curriculum
Mauritius has become the first country globally to incorporate an Ayurvedic diet into its national school curriculum, a development stemming from a collaborative effort led by Professor Ish Sharma under a Government of India initiative.
Appointed as the Ayurveda Chair at the University of Mauritius from 2021 to 2024, Professor Sharma spearheaded the integration of the traditional Indian system of medicine into the island nation’s healthcare infrastructure and educational system. He emphasized that Ayurveda is “not just a treatment, but a scientific method for living a healthy life,” with diet being paramount. The initiative focuses on children aged 6-12, considered a critical developmental period, teaching them the importance of a proper Ayurvedic diet. This move could serve as a model for preventative healthcare strategies worldwide.
During his tenure, Sharma also oversaw the creation of a 5,000 sqm Ayurvedic garden at the Mauritian presidential residence, featuring nearly 100 varieties of medicinal plants, including Ashwagandha, Tulsi, and Neem. President Draupadi Murmu, during a visit to Mauritius in March 2024, praised the garden and indicated similar projects would be considered in India. Sharma is now working with Acharya Manish Ji to promote Ayurveda within India, aiming to educate the public on preventative healthcare, building on the principles of mindful eating and limiting processed foods – concepts detailed in resources from the Ministry of AYUSH.
Sharma noted that implementing such a program in a larger, more federally structured country like India presents challenges, as education falls under state jurisdiction, but efforts are underway to incorporate Ayurvedic dietary principles into the central CBSE curriculum. He also highlighted the importance of individual responsibility for health, stating, “Every medical system has its own strengths, but the health of every individual is ultimately their own responsibility.” You can learn more about the benefits of Ayurvedic principles here.
Upon his return to India, Professor Sharma will continue collaborating with Acharya Manish Ji to expand Ayurveda’s reach, with officials indicating they will explore replicating the Mauritian model within India’s educational framework.
