The Hagia Sophia, a structure of immense historical and cultural significance, was reconverted into a mosque by the Turkish government in 2020 after serving as a museum for nearly 85 years.

Originally constructed in the 4th century as a Byzantine cathedral, the Hagia Sophia was later transformed into a mosque following the Ottoman conquest in the 15th century, symbolizing the transition of power and culture in the region.

In the early 20th century, the secular Turkish Republic reclassified the Hagia Sophia as a museum, a move intended to promote coexistence and reflect the nation’s commitment to multi-faith inclusivity.

The decision to reconvert the Hagia Sophia into a mosque has sparked significant criticism from various religious groups, including the Greek Orthodox Church, which described the move as an 'ill-advised decision' that undermines religious tolerance and freedom.

Critics have argued that the reconversion prioritizes the Islamic heritage of the Hagia Sophia while neglecting its other historical and religious layers, such as its Greek Orthodox, Armenian, Jewish, and Syriac traditions.

The Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate expressed concerns that the reconversion of the Hagia Sophia and the Chora Church jeopardizes religious freedom and disrespects Turkey's Orthodox Christian heritage.

One of the immediate impacts of the reconversion was the covering of the Hagia Sophia’s iconic mosaics of Jesus and Mary with curtains, in accordance with Islamic tradition, which prohibits depictions of human figures in places of worship.

Although the Turkish government initially promised free access to the Hagia Sophia for all visitors, an entrance fee was later reimposed, and tourists were restricted to the upper level, with the main floor reserved exclusively for Muslim worshippers.

Observers have reported damage to the Hagia Sophia under the management of the Turkish Directorate of Religion, a deterioration that was not evident when the site was overseen by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

The reconversion of the Hagia Sophia has drawn international criticism, with countries like Greece and institutions such as the U.S. State Department and Orthodox Christian organizations condemning the move as a threat to religious diversity and cultural heritage.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has framed the reconversion of the Hagia Sophia as a 'glorious chapter' in Turkish history, linking it to broader Islamic aspirations, including the symbolic liberation of the al-Aqsa Mosque.

Political analysts suggest that Erdoğan’s decision to reconvert the Hagia Sophia was driven by a combination of religio-nationalist sentiment and the need to bolster his electoral popularity amid growing economic challenges in Turkey.

The Hagia Sophia, a structure of immense historical and cultural significance, was reconverted into a mosque by the Turkish government in 2020 after serving as a museum for nearly 85 years.

Title:

Content: After Hagia Sophia, Turkey converts a second ancient Byzantine church into a mosque

Hundreds of worshippers filled the narrow streets of Istanbul's Fatih district on Friday to hear the sounds of Friday prayers ringing out from the newly inaugurated Kariye Mosque.

Once known as the Chora Church, the site spent the last 79 years as a museum. But it is now the latest structure to be converted back into a mosque by the government of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, following the conversion of Hagia Sophia in 2020. While viewed as a triumph by many Turkish Muslims, the Greek Orthodox Church has decried it as an "ill-advised decision" that "makes a mockery of the Turkish government's commitment to religious tolerance and religious freedom."

Chora's conversion was announced shortly after Hagia Sophia's, but its opening for prayer was delayed by years of restoration work.

The showing for the first Friday prayers at Kariye was relatively quiet compared to Hagia Sophia, which drew hundreds of thousands who filled the streets with prayer rugs for blocks and blocks away from the building. By contrast, the crowd on Friday was relatively average for a mosque in one of Istanbul's more religiously conservative neighborhoods, where Friday worshippers frequently spill out onto the streets.

Both the Chora Church and Hagia Sophia are 4th-century Byzantine constructions. They spent nearly a millennium as Christian holy sites before being converted to mosques by the Ottomans after their conquest of Constantinople in the 15th century. Despite their conversions, they remained revered by Orthodox Christians. After the founding of a secular Turkish Republic in the early 20th century, the decision was made for both to be neither mosque nor church but simply museums.

"Both Hagia Sophia and Chora embodied Byzantine and Ottoman pasts, and they became symbols of co-existence and multi-faith living practices. Their conversion fundamentally implies a hierarchy, prioritizing the Islamic past over all other layers, Greek Orthodox, Armenian, Jewish, Syriac, et al," Dr. Özgür Kaymak, a lecturer and researcher on minority rights at Istanbul's MEF University, told Religion News Service in an email.

Rededicating the sites as mosques is more than just a status change. According to Islamic tradition, artwork of human figures are forbidden in places of prayer, while in Orthodox Churches, icons of Christ, saints and other biblical figures are a defining feature.

In Hagia Sophia, the mosaics of Jesus and Mary have been covered with curtains since the conversion. While Erdoğan promised Hagia Sophia would remain fully accessible and free to all visitors, Turkey reneged on that earlier this year, reimposing an entrance fee on tourists and relegating them to the upper level, while the main floor is exclusive to Muslim worshippers.

Observers have also criticized the Turkish Directorate of Religion's caretaking of the site, noting damage that did not exist when it was under the purview of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Though Chora is significantly smaller than Hagia Sophia, it is home to some of the best-preserved examples of late-Byzantine art, including mosaics, icons and frescoes, and is considered a UNESCO World Heritage site.

"For us it's a very important place because it remembers our culture and our traditions here," Father Evangelos Markantonis, an Orthodox priest who was leading a group of theology students to Chora on Friday, told Religion News Service.

"Though we cannot venerate as Orthodox Christians, we have to try to find things we can be united on. Only with dialogue and good deeds can we continue our lives," Markantonis, who is also a professor at the University of Athens, said when asked about the controversy.

Erdoğan had long refused calls from his right to convert churches like Hagia Sophia and Chora, telling supporters in 2018 to fill the nearby Sultan Ahmet Mosque (also known in English as the Blue Mosque) before they talked about needing to pray in Hagia Sophia.

Nonetheless, he made an about-turn in 2020.

"My dear nation, the conquest of Istanbul and the conversion of the Hagia Sophia into a Mosque are among the most glorious chapters in Turkish history," Erdoğan said at the time in a speech inaugurating the Hagia Sophia as a mosque.

"This is the most honorable day that Islam has been looking forward to, Greek Constantinople has become Turkish Istanbul," he added, quoting the Turkish poet Nazim Hikmet.

"The resurrection of Hagia Sophia heralds the liberation of the al-Aqsa Mosque. The resurrection of Hagia Sophia is the footsteps of the will of Muslims across the world to come out of the interregnum," Erdoğan said in his concluding remarks.

Chora's opening as the Kariye Mosque comes just weeks after Erdoğan's Justice and Development Party (AKP) suffered its largest electoral defeat in two decades during Turkey's nationwide municipal elections.

"The recent conversion of Chora into a mosque may be due to Erdoğan's many problems, including his geopolitical power politics, his appeal to religio-nationalism to revive his electoral popularity after the March elections or his tactic to divert attention from Turkey's economic downturn," Kaymak said.

Many analysts have attributed the loss to AKP bleeding votes to the more Islamist-leaning New Welfare Party, which has pressured Erdogan over his response to the Israel-Hamas war and humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.

Muslim worshippers at the mosque on Friday said they viewed its rededication as an Islamic site to be a national win for Turkey.

"This mosque is one of the symbols of the Conquest. We are proud and happy. There are very beautiful frescoes inside. They were also nicely renovated before they were closed. May it be good for our country and our nation," a bystander, Ahmet Öteyüzoğlu, told Turkish media.

"Thank God for these days. Not everyone has the opportunity in their lifetime," another bystander named Mehmet Çelik told the Turkish news service Anadolu Agency, in reference to having been able to pray at both the rededicated Hagia Sophia and Kariye Mosques.

However, Greece, the U.S. State Department and Orthodox Christian institutions worldwide have all criticized the decision to revert the structure into a mosque.

"I want to publicly express my intense dissatisfaction, interpreting the feelings of all Greek women and men, for the completely unnecessary conversion of a historic Byzantine temple, the Monastery of Chora, into a mosque. It is, I believe, an action that offends the rich history of Istanbul itself as a crossroads of cultures," Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said shortly before leaving for Turkey for a planned meeting with Erdogan.

"We encourage the Turkish government to preserve and ensure access to sites and buildings that have hosted different religious communities in a way that respects their diverse histories," a State Department spokesperson said in response to questions from Greek media.

"The Turkish government's appropriation of both as the property of one faith group not only constitutes yet another sign of that government's contempt for Turkey's rich Orthodox Christian heritage but further imperils the religious freedom of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the remaining Christians of that land," the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate said in a statement.

© Religion News Service

No--In 1934, Ataturk turned it into a museum, making it a major tourist attraction and secular symbol in Turkey.

Why did Erdogan restore Hagia Sophia as a mosque in 2020?

Because he wanted to end its 86-year museum status to return it to its original role as a mosque.

Originally constructed in the 4th century as a Byzantine cathedral, the Hagia Sophia was later transformed into a mosque following the Ottoman conquest in the 15th century, symbolizing the transition of power and culture in the region.

How did Hagia Sophia become important for Muslims?

Sultan Mehmed II converted Hagia Sophia into a mosque,making it a key religious site for Muslims for centuries.

No--In 1934, Ataturk turned it into a museum, making it a major tourist attraction and secular symbol in Turkey.

In the early 20th century, the secular Turkish Republic reclassified the Hagia Sophia as a museum, a move intended to promote coexistence and reflect the nation’s commitment to multi-faith inclusivity.

No--In 1934, Ataturk turned it into a museum, making it a major tourist attraction and secular symbol in Turkey.

The decision to reconvert the Hagia Sophia into a mosque has sparked significant criticism from various religious groups, including the Greek Orthodox Church, which described the move as an 'ill-advised decision' that undermines religious tolerance and freedom.

How did Muslims and Orthodox Christians react to the reconversion?

Who was angered by the reconversion of Hagia Sophia in July 2020?

Critics have argued that the reconversion prioritizes the Islamic heritage of the Hagia Sophia while neglecting its other historical and religious layers, such as its Greek Orthodox, Armenian, Jewish, and Syriac traditions.

What political motivations influenced Erdogan's decision to reconvert Hagia Sophia?

Erdogan's decision was influenced by Turkey's Islamic resurgence.

Who was angered by the reconversion of Hagia Sophia in July 2020?

The Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate expressed concerns that the reconversion of the Hagia Sophia and the Chora Church jeopardizes religious freedom and disrespects Turkey's Orthodox Christian heritage.

How did Muslims and Orthodox Christians react to the reconversion?

Who was angered by the reconversion of Hagia Sophia in July 2020?

One of the immediate impacts of the reconversion was the covering of the Hagia Sophia’s iconic mosaics of Jesus and Mary with curtains, in accordance with Islamic tradition, which prohibits depictions of human figures in places of worship.

Although the Turkish government initially promised free access to the Hagia Sophia for all visitors, an entrance fee was later reimposed, and tourists were restricted to the upper level, with the main floor reserved exclusively for Muslim worshippers.

Observers have reported damage to the Hagia Sophia under the management of the Turkish Directorate of Religion, a deterioration that was not evident when the site was overseen by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

The reconversion of the Hagia Sophia has drawn international criticism, with countries like Greece and institutions such as the U.S. State Department and Orthodox Christian organizations condemning the move as a threat to religious diversity and cultural heritage.

How did Muslims and Orthodox Christians react to the reconversion?

Who was angered by the reconversion of Hagia Sophia in July 2020?

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has framed the reconversion of the Hagia Sophia as a 'glorious chapter' in Turkish history, linking it to broader Islamic aspirations, including the symbolic liberation of the al-Aqsa Mosque.

What political motivations influenced Erdogan's decision to reconvert Hagia Sophia?

Erdogan's decision was influenced by Turkey's Islamic resurgence.

Political analysts suggest that Erdoğan’s decision to reconvert the Hagia Sophia was driven by a combination of religio-nationalist sentiment and the need to bolster his electoral popularity amid growing economic challenges in Turkey.

What political motivations influenced Erdogan's decision to reconvert Hagia Sophia?

Erdogan's decision was influenced by Turkey's Islamic resurgence.


India has established a robust infrastructure to support traditional medicine, including five 50-bedded Integrated AYUSH Hospitals in Jammu and Kashmir under the National AYUSH Mission, aimed at strengthening secondary healthcare services.

Specialized AYUSH wellness centers at tourist locations in Jammu and Kashmir, with three already operational, are promoting medical tourism and integrating traditional medicine into broader healthcare frameworks.

Efforts to integrate Ayurveda into global healthcare systems have advanced with its inclusion in the World Health Organization’s ICD-11, providing a standardized language for health professionals to share information globally.

The ICD-11 chapter on traditional medicine aims to facilitate research and evaluation of Ayurveda’s efficacy, supporting its integration into mainstream health information systems.

A notable case of Ayurvedic treatment success is Rosemary Odinga, who regained her eyesight after treatment at the Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Eyecare Hospital in Kerala, following unsuccessful surgeries abroad.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasized the role of AYUSH products in boosting immunity during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the increased export of turmeric and the potential of AYUSH in medical tourism.

The AYUSH Ministry is actively expanding the global market for traditional Indian medicines and supplements, targeting at least 150 countries through initiatives like the AYUSH Export Council.

Research on medicinal plants such as Noni has revealed their nutrient-providing and therapeutic abilities, including potential applications in cancer treatment and immunity enhancement against diseases like COVID-19.

The Ministry of AYUSH and the Jammu and Kashmir administration are collaborating under the vision of 'One Earth, One Health' to integrate ancient Indian systems of medicine into global healthcare practices.

India has established a robust infrastructure to support traditional medicine, including five 50-bedded Integrated AYUSH Hospitals in Jammu and Kashmir under the National AYUSH Mission, aimed at strengthening secondary healthcare services.

Title:

Content: J&K Has Been A Major Center Of Indian System Of Medicine Since Ancient Times: LG Sinha

– Lt Governor addresses Consultative meeting of Commission for Indian System of Medicine.
– Reiterates J&K Government's commitment to make the UT a hub of medical and wellness and to contribute to PM Narendra Modi's vision of ‘Heal in India' and ‘Heal by India'.
– With a rich legacy of medicine system, we are committed for investment and innovation in AYUSH and to strengthen traditional system of medicines. It has tremendous growth potential and J&K bestowed with nature's bounty and rich medicinal plants will promote startups and business units in AYUSH: LG.
– LG highlights several milestones achieved in AYUSH sector of J&K UT.
– Ayurvedic Medical College & Hospital at Akhnoor, Unani Medical College & Hospital at Ganderbal and upgradation of 442 AYUSH Dispensaries have been done for well-being of the people: LG.
– Five 50-Bedded Integrated AYUSH Hospitals in Districts of Kulgam, Kathua, Kupwara, Kishtwar and Samba have been approved by Ministry of AYUSH under National AYUSH Mission to strengthen AYUSH secondary healthcare in the UT of J&K: LG.
– In order to promote Medical Tourism in UT, 6 Specialized AYUSH Wellness Centres at famous tourist places-Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Patnitop, Katra and Golf Course & Srinagar have been approved, out of which three centres have been made operational: LG Sinha.

Srinagar, Jun 2: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha addressed a Consultative meeting on “Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission – Heal in India, Heal by India,” organized by National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (ISM), Ministry of AYUSH, today at University of Kashmir. Addressing the gathering of health professionals and practitioners of ISM from across the country, the Lt Governor reiterated the commitment of the J&K Government to making the UT a hub of medical and wellness tourism and to contribute to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of ‘Heal in India' and ‘Heal by India'.
He said the deliberations during this important meeting will build a solid framework for exchange of ideas to promote ISM and implementation of two important components of Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission – Healthcare Professional Registry and Healthcare Facility Registry in the UT.
“J&K has been a major center of the Indian system of medicine since ancient times and according to Kalhana's Rajtarangini, a well developed Ayurveda hospital was functional those days. Kalhana wrote that J&K had flourishing Ayurvedic drug manufacturing units and Ayurvedic pharmacies,” said the Lt Governor. With such a rich legacy, we are committed for investment and innovation in AYUSH and to strengthen the traditional system of medicines. It has tremendous growth potential and J&K bestowed with nature's bounty and rich medicinal plants will promote startups and business units in AYUSH, he added. He said the world has recognized the Indian System of Medicine as the oldest, effective and scientific health system for prevention and cure. Now the time has come to connect the new generation with this heritage and rich legacy to fulfil the vision of One Earth, One Health, he added. At the consultative meet, the Lt Governor shared the efforts to strengthen the basic health infrastructure, promote medical tourism in the J&K UT and provide the people with access to world class, affordable and quality healthcare services.
Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, the Ministry of AYUSH and J&K administration are working together with the vision of ‘One Earth, One Health' to serve the global community through integrated and ancient Indian System of medicine, he said.
Jammu Kashmir is fully prepared to become an important centre of AYUSH and ‘Heal in India' campaign, which will not only promote medical tourism in the Union Territory, but also create immense business and employment opportunities in the healthcare sector, added the Lt Governor. The Lt Governor also highlighted several milestones achieved in the AYUSH sector of J&K UT. Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital at Akhnoor, Unani Medical College and Hospital at Ganderbal and upgradation of 442 AYUSH Dispensaries have been done for the well-being of the people. Five 50-Bedded Integrated AYUSH Hospitals in Districts of Kulgam, Kathua, Kupwara, Kishtwar and Samba have been approved by Ministry of AYUSH under National AYUSH Mission to strengthen AYUSH secondary healthcare in the UT of J&K, he said.
In order to promote Medical Tourism in UT, 6 Specialized AYUSH Wellness Centres at famous tourist places-Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Patnitop, Katra and Golf Course Jammu and Srinagar have been approved, out of which three centres have been made operational, he further added. India is home to the world's oldest medical systems. It is not limited to treatment only. It is a science of understanding life and wellbeing in a holistic manner. Through Yoga and Ayush Centres, it is our endeavour to spread the vision and benefits of Ayurveda to all sections of the society, observed the Lt Governor. The Lt Governor also shared valuable suggestions for integrating local health traditions with the mainstream of Ayurveda by promoting People's Science preserved for centuries and transcribing the rich and diverse Indian medicine knowledge in simple language for the new generation. It is also necessary to understand the roots of the traditional system to establish harmony between the Registry of Professionals and the Registry of Facility and all other disciplines of medicine, he added.
Vaidya Jayant Deopujari, Chairman National Commission for Indian System of Medicine and Prof. (Vaidya) Rakesh Sharma, President, Board of Ethics and Registration, also spoke on the occasion and threw light on the key features of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission and the aims and objectives of consultative meeting. Prof. Nilofer Khan, Vice Chancellor, Kashmir University; Bhupinder Kumar, Secretary, Health & Medical Department; Ayushi Sudan, State Mission Director, Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission; senior officials from National Health Authority, ISM and UT Administration; HoDs and scores of health professionals and Ayurvedacharya were present.

Specialized AYUSH wellness centers at tourist locations in Jammu and Kashmir, with three already operational, are promoting medical tourism and integrating traditional medicine into broader healthcare frameworks.

Efforts to integrate Ayurveda into global healthcare systems have advanced with its inclusion in the World Health Organization’s ICD-11, providing a standardized language for health professionals to share information globally.

Title:

Content: Traditional Indian medicine set to make a global debut, seeking inclusion in WHO’s ICD-11 list

The inclusion of Ayurveda and related systems on the WHO list will provide it with a common language that allows health professionals to share standardised information across the world

October 14, 2023 06:17 pm | Updated 06:17 pm IST - NEW DELHI

A view of the World Health Organisation headquarters.

In a move meant to put the Indian system of medicine on the world map and provide it with a common standardised language, the Union government has sought for Ayurveda and related systems to be included in the 11th revision of the World Health Organisation’s International Classification of Diseases (ICD), as the second module of a supplementary chapter on traditional medicine conditions.

The ICD provides a common language that allows health professionals to share standardised information across the world. The traditional medicine module of the 11th revision provides a list of diagnostics categories to collect and report on traditional medicine conditions in a standardised and internationally comparable manner.

Speaking exclusively to The Hindu about the development, Ministry of Ayush Secretary Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha said: “We are hopeful that the addition of Module-2 for Ayurveda could happen as early as by next January.”

To aid regulation, research

“Ayurveda and related Indian traditional health care systems are formally recognised and widely practised health care systems in India, which is making a strong and valid point for its inclusion,” said Mr. Kotecha, adding that efforts to effectively regulate traditional medicine as an integral part of the health system require standardised and evidence-based information.

Mr. Kotecha further explained that the traditional medicine chapter under ICD-11 is a formative step for the integration of such forms of medicine into a classification standard used in conventional medicine. “It also provides the means for doing research and evaluation to establish its efficacy,” he said.

The Ministry added that this chapter would also help to respond to growing demands for more and better regulation of traditional medicine, and its integration in mainstream health care and health information systems.

ICD-11 covers Chinese medicine

After a decade of repeated consultations, ICD-11 had facilitated the inclusion of Module-1, which covers traditional medicine conditions originating in ancient China, which are now commonly used in China, Japan, Korea, and elsewhere around the world.

The eleventh revision contains around 17,000 unique codes and more than 1,20,000 codable terms, which are now entirely digital. ICD-11 came into effect from January 2022.

The joint use of ICD-11’s chapter on traditional medicine along with other chapters on neoplasm, patient safety, and injuries, can enhance the reporting of adverse events. It will enable the integration of traditional medicine into insurance coverage and reimbursement systems, in line with larger WHO objectives relating to universal health coverage. It will also link traditional medicine practices with global conventional medicine’s norms and standard development.

The development of Module-2 for Ayurveda-related diagnostic systems is being actively supported by the Ministry of Ayush. It extensively banks on the implementation experience gained on the ground by the National Ayush Morbidity and Standardised Terminologies Electronic portal, and the Ayush Health Information Management System, the Ministry said.

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Is traditional Indian medicine Ayurveda certified by the World Health Organization?

The ICD-11 chapter on traditional medicine aims to facilitate research and evaluation of Ayurveda’s efficacy, supporting its integration into mainstream health information systems.

Is traditional Indian medicine Ayurveda certified by the World Health Organization?

What is the World Health Organization doing to promote traditional medicine, including Ayurveda?

Establishing rules for the safe, fair, and effective use of traditional medicine

Gathering evidence and data to guide policies

What is the traditional Indian medical system called?

A notable case of Ayurvedic treatment success is Rosemary Odinga, who regained her eyesight after treatment at the Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Eyecare Hospital in Kerala, following unsuccessful surgeries abroad.

Title:

Content: Wednesday, April 20, 2022
HomeNews Reports‘Former Kenyan President’s daughter Rosemary Odinga regained eyesight with Ayurvedic treatment’: PM Modi at...

‘Former Kenyan President’s daughter Rosemary Odinga regained eyesight with Ayurvedic treatment’: PM Modi at AYUSH Summit

Earlier this year, Raila Odinga was all praise for the Ayurvedic treatment rendered by the Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Eyecare Hospital in Koothattukulam in Ernakulam, that has helped his daughter regain her eyesight.

On April 20, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation at the first Global AYUSH Investment and Innovation Summit (GAIIS) at Gandhinagar, Gujarat. In his address, he talked about the experience Kenya’s former President Raila Odinga had shared with him. He had told PM Modi that his daughter Rosemary Odinga had lost eyesight after surgery for a brain tumour. It was the Ayurvedic treatment she had received in India that helped her regain eyesight.

Ralia Odinga was all praise for Ayurvedic treatment that helped restore his daughter’s vision

Earlier this year, Raila Odinga was all praise for the Ayurvedic treatment rendered by the Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Eyecare Hospital in Koothattukulam in Ernakulam, that has helped his daughter regain her eyesight.

“I came to India for my daughter’s eye treatment in Kochi, Kerala. After three weeks of treatment, there was a substantial improvement in her eyesight. It was a big surprise for my family that our daughter could see almost everything,” Odinga had said then.

Odinga had also shared about the ordeal his daughter had to face after undergoing eye surgeries in many African nations and around the world but with no results. With surgeries not helping to restore his daughter’s eyesight, Odinga turned to India for Ayurvedic treatment to help Rosemary regain her eyesight that she had lost in 2019.

On his way back home to Kenya, Odinga had met PM Modi in Delhi and requested him to help spread ayurvedic eye care that had helped restore his daughter’s eyesight, across the world.

PM Modi speaks about AYUSH supplements help people build immunity

PM Modi mentioned how AYUSH products helped in improving the immunity of Indians. He said, “During the Covid-19 pandemic, AYUSH kadha and supplements were widely used by the people of India to improve their immunity. The export of turmeric was increased by several folds during that period which is a sign that the world is accepting the traditional medicines.”

He added Covid-19 pandemic also showed how pharma companies and vaccine manufacturers can do wonders with timely investment. “Who would have thought India would be able to develop a Made-in-India vaccine so quickly. It is clearly visible how innovation and investment increase potential in all sectors.” He said now is the right time to bring investment in the AYUSH sector as well. “This summit will encourage investment in this sector. AYUSH has huge investment and innovation possibilities. AYUSH medicines, supplements and cosmetics have seen notable progress in recent years,” he added.

PM Modi said before 2014, AYUSH was a 3 billion dollar industry, but now it has become an 18 billion dollar industry. “The demand for Ayush products is increasing across the world, and it will see notable growth in the near future. Supplement development, supply chain management, telemedicine and other industries in this sector have huge possibilities for investment and innovation,” PM added.

PM said the AYUSH Ministry had taken many steps to encourage start-ups in the sector. He said, “Everyone knows that India is seeing a golden period of start-ups. It is the time of Indian unicorns. In less than four months in 2022, 14 start-ups have already joined the unicorn club, and I am sure we will see a unicorn in the AYUSH sector very soon.”

PM said herbal plants are a treasure for the farmers. Himalaya is known for its herbal plants. He said, “There is a saying that there is every alphabet has a Mantra that starts with it, and every root has the potential to become medicine.” He added herbal and medicinal plants could increase the income of the farmers by several folds. However, he noted that the market for such plants is very small. “The government is working on developing an e-market for the farmers where they will be able to connect to the companies that use such plants. It will make it much easier for the farmers to sell their produce.”

PM said the government is also working with other countries to get approval for the AYUSH medicines and supplements. Extensive work is in progress to explore the market in at least 150 countries for the AYUSH products. He added that the AYUSH Export Council is exploring the possibilities in foreign markets. “ FSSAI has added a new category of AYUSH aahar (food) has been added recently. It will help in exploring the market for the nutritional products,” he said.

PM Announced AYUSH Mark, AYUSH Park and AYUSH Visa

PM also announced AYUSH Mark, which will become the global identity for the best AYUSH products. “It will give customer satisfaction to the consumers across the world that they are getting quality Ayush products.”

PM also announced AYUSH Park Network that would provide a new path to the manufacturing industry. Speaking about medical tourism, PM said, “AYUSH has a lot of potential in medical tourism as well. We have seen how traditional medicine has helped Kerala in improving tourism. Every part of India has such potential. ‘Heal In India’ can become a large brand.” PM added that the modern infrastructure would help in improving medical tourism with traditional medicine in different parts of the country.

PM announced that the government would soon launch Ayush Visa, which will help the foreigners to visit India for medical tourism with traditional medicine.

India has a history of the open-source model: PM Modi

PM said the traditional medicine knowledge of India is a treasure for the world. “We are here to reduce the pain of the world. For thousands of years, Ayurveda has been a symbol of healing. We have heard since Ramayana about the wonders of Ayurveda. When Lakshman Ji was unconscious, Hanuman Ji went to Himalaya to get the medicine. Atmanirbhar Bharat was a concept during Ramayana time as well.”

He added that Ayurveda is based on an open-source model. He said, “Open source model is widely appreciated in today’s world. They think that they invented the system. However, India has a long history of the open-source model, and Ayurveda is a perfect example of it. For thousands of years, whoever found new information added it to the text. The open-source model is in our roots.”

Towards the end of his address, he said WHO’s Tedros Ghebreyesus had requested him to give him a Gujarati name. He said, “On today’s auspicious occasion, I give you a new name ‘, Tulsi Bhai’.” He also explained how the Tulsi plant holds utmost importance in Hinduism and is worshipped by the devoted Hindus.

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What does traditional Indian medicine generally treat?

It addresses the physical aspects of health conditions.

What treatment did Former Kenyan President's daughter Rosemary Odinga get that helped her regain eyesight?

Traditional Indian medicine Ayurvedic treatment.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasized the role of AYUSH products in boosting immunity during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the increased export of turmeric and the potential of AYUSH in medical tourism.

The AYUSH Ministry is actively expanding the global market for traditional Indian medicines and supplements, targeting at least 150 countries through initiatives like the AYUSH Export Council.

Research on medicinal plants such as Noni has revealed their nutrient-providing and therapeutic abilities, including potential applications in cancer treatment and immunity enhancement against diseases like COVID-19.

Title:

Content: ADVERTISEMENT

Research scholars must ultimately become entrepreneurs, says MKU Vice-Chancellor

December 04, 2023 08:23 pm | Updated 08:23 pm IST - MADURAI

Students doing research must ultimately become entrepreneurs, said speakers at a two-day conference titled ‘Sustainable wellness through Noni, medicinal plants, microbe and bio-molecules,’ conducted by the School of Biological Sciences of Madurai Kamaraj University.

Vice-Chancellor J. Kumar spoke about role of plants and microbes in the protection of nature. He stressed the importance of bio-molecules obtained from plants and microbes. Pusan University in South Korea had developed thousands of bio-molecules possessing medicinal value from the plant, ginseng. Similarly, biomolecules from medicinal plants such as Noni could be produced which will be useful to the society.

Consulate general of Malaysia in Chennai, Saravanakumar, said that oil palm trees were grown as the main crop in Malaysia and large quantities of palm oil was produced, while it was grown as an inter-crop in India. Therefore, India and Malaysia can have collaboration with respect to cropping of oil palm trees and other medicinal plants, thereby improving their productivity.

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Protection of Plant Breeders Varieties and Farmers Rights president and Former VC of University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, Karnataka R R Hanchinal spoke about importance of rare medicinal plants and their protection rights. He said that when the farmers identify new plants and varieties and bring it to the notice of the government, they should be duly appreciated and rewarded.

World Noni Research Foundation’s Chennai president P Rethinam emphasised on the nutrient providing ability and therapeutic ability of Noni fruit and Noni juice. He also suggested use of Noni plants for cancer treatment.

Organising secretary V Shanmugaiah highlighted the importance of micro-organisms, bio-molecules and medicinal plants in treatment of human and animal diseases. The products from Noni and medicinal plants can provide immunity against COVID-19 and a slew of other dreadful diseases.

Earlier, S. Chandrasekhar, convenor, Department of Plant Sciences, welcomed the gathering. N. Mathivanan, vice-president, International Society of Noni Sciences, spoke about the role of Noni sciences in societal contributions and protection against diseases offered by Noni juice. S. Ramaswamy, Head, Department of Biochemistry, proposed the vote of thanks.

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The Ministry of AYUSH and the Jammu and Kashmir administration are collaborating under the vision of 'One Earth, One Health' to integrate ancient Indian systems of medicine into global healthcare practices.


Jammu and Kashmir has historically been a significant hub for the Indian system of medicine, boasting a rich tradition of Ayurvedic hospitals and pharmacies.

To strengthen secondary healthcare, five 50-bedded Integrated AYUSH Hospitals have been approved in the districts of Kulgam, Kathua, Kupwara, Kishtwar, and Samba under the National AYUSH Mission.

In an effort to promote medical tourism, six specialized AYUSH wellness centers have been approved at tourist locations in Jammu and Kashmir, with three already operational.

The establishment of the Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital in Akhnoor and the Unani Medical College and Hospital in Ganderbal marks a significant enhancement in healthcare infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Ministry of AYUSH, in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir administration, is working under the vision of 'One Earth, One Health' to integrate ancient Indian systems of medicine into global healthcare frameworks.

The Indian government has advocated for the inclusion of Ayurveda and related systems in the 11th revision of the World Health Organisation’s International Classification of Diseases (ICD) as part of a supplementary chapter on traditional medicine conditions.

Incorporating Ayurveda into the ICD-11 provides a standardized language for health professionals worldwide to share information effectively.

The traditional medicine chapter in ICD-11 aims to bridge the gap between traditional and conventional medicine by integrating traditional practices into a globally recognized classification system.

This inclusion is expected to facilitate research and evaluation, thereby establishing the efficacy of Ayurveda in treating various health conditions.

The Ministry of AYUSH has emphasized that the ICD-11 chapter on traditional medicine will play a pivotal role in regulating and integrating traditional medicine into mainstream healthcare and health information systems.

Efforts are underway to develop Module-2 for Ayurveda-related diagnostic systems, with active support from the Ministry of AYUSH.

The Ministry is also leveraging the National Ayush Morbidity and Standardised Terminologies Electronic portal and the Ayush Health Information Management System to advance Ayurveda-related diagnostic systems.

A notable case of Ayurvedic treatment success is that of Rosemary Odinga, daughter of former Kenyan President Raila Odinga, who regained her eyesight after treatment at the Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Eyecare Hospital in Kerala, India.

Raila Odinga publicly praised the Ayurvedic treatment in India, which succeeded in restoring his daughter's vision after surgeries in other countries had failed.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has highlighted the role of AYUSH products in boosting immunity during the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a surge in the export of turmeric and other herbal products.

To establish a global identity for high-quality AYUSH products, the AYUSH Mark was introduced by Prime Minister Modi.

Recognizing the potential of AYUSH in medical tourism, the Indian government announced the Ayush Visa to facilitate foreign visitors seeking traditional medicine treatments in India.

The AYUSH Ministry is actively working to expand the market for AYUSH medicines and supplements in at least 150 countries, supported by the AYUSH Export Council.

Prime Minister Modi has also emphasized the economic potential of herbal and medicinal plants, suggesting that their cultivation could significantly increase farmers' income.

Research on medicinal plants has highlighted the potential of biomolecules derived from plants like Noni for societal benefits.

The nutrient-providing and therapeutic properties of Noni fruit and Noni juice have been emphasized, including their potential applications in cancer treatment.

Products derived from Noni and other medicinal plants have shown promise in providing immunity against COVID-19 and other severe diseases.

The role of microorganisms, bio-molecules, and medicinal plants in treating human and animal diseases has been increasingly recognized in contemporary research.

Jammu and Kashmir has historically been a significant hub for the Indian system of medicine, boasting a rich tradition of Ayurvedic hospitals and pharmacies.

Title:

Content: J&K Has Been A Major Center Of Indian System Of Medicine Since Ancient Times: LG Sinha

– Lt Governor addresses Consultative meeting of Commission for Indian System of Medicine.
– Reiterates J&K Government's commitment to make the UT a hub of medical and wellness and to contribute to PM Narendra Modi's vision of ‘Heal in India' and ‘Heal by India'.
– With a rich legacy of medicine system, we are committed for investment and innovation in AYUSH and to strengthen traditional system of medicines. It has tremendous growth potential and J&K bestowed with nature's bounty and rich medicinal plants will promote startups and business units in AYUSH: LG.
– LG highlights several milestones achieved in AYUSH sector of J&K UT.
– Ayurvedic Medical College & Hospital at Akhnoor, Unani Medical College & Hospital at Ganderbal and upgradation of 442 AYUSH Dispensaries have been done for well-being of the people: LG.
– Five 50-Bedded Integrated AYUSH Hospitals in Districts of Kulgam, Kathua, Kupwara, Kishtwar and Samba have been approved by Ministry of AYUSH under National AYUSH Mission to strengthen AYUSH secondary healthcare in the UT of J&K: LG.
– In order to promote Medical Tourism in UT, 6 Specialized AYUSH Wellness Centres at famous tourist places-Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Patnitop, Katra and Golf Course & Srinagar have been approved, out of which three centres have been made operational: LG Sinha.

Srinagar, Jun 2: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha addressed a Consultative meeting on “Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission – Heal in India, Heal by India,” organized by National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (ISM), Ministry of AYUSH, today at University of Kashmir. Addressing the gathering of health professionals and practitioners of ISM from across the country, the Lt Governor reiterated the commitment of the J&K Government to making the UT a hub of medical and wellness tourism and to contribute to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of ‘Heal in India' and ‘Heal by India'.
He said the deliberations during this important meeting will build a solid framework for exchange of ideas to promote ISM and implementation of two important components of Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission – Healthcare Professional Registry and Healthcare Facility Registry in the UT.
“J&K has been a major center of the Indian system of medicine since ancient times and according to Kalhana's Rajtarangini, a well developed Ayurveda hospital was functional those days. Kalhana wrote that J&K had flourishing Ayurvedic drug manufacturing units and Ayurvedic pharmacies,” said the Lt Governor. With such a rich legacy, we are committed for investment and innovation in AYUSH and to strengthen the traditional system of medicines. It has tremendous growth potential and J&K bestowed with nature's bounty and rich medicinal plants will promote startups and business units in AYUSH, he added. He said the world has recognized the Indian System of Medicine as the oldest, effective and scientific health system for prevention and cure. Now the time has come to connect the new generation with this heritage and rich legacy to fulfil the vision of One Earth, One Health, he added. At the consultative meet, the Lt Governor shared the efforts to strengthen the basic health infrastructure, promote medical tourism in the J&K UT and provide the people with access to world class, affordable and quality healthcare services.
Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, the Ministry of AYUSH and J&K administration are working together with the vision of ‘One Earth, One Health' to serve the global community through integrated and ancient Indian System of medicine, he said.
Jammu Kashmir is fully prepared to become an important centre of AYUSH and ‘Heal in India' campaign, which will not only promote medical tourism in the Union Territory, but also create immense business and employment opportunities in the healthcare sector, added the Lt Governor. The Lt Governor also highlighted several milestones achieved in the AYUSH sector of J&K UT. Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital at Akhnoor, Unani Medical College and Hospital at Ganderbal and upgradation of 442 AYUSH Dispensaries have been done for the well-being of the people. Five 50-Bedded Integrated AYUSH Hospitals in Districts of Kulgam, Kathua, Kupwara, Kishtwar and Samba have been approved by Ministry of AYUSH under National AYUSH Mission to strengthen AYUSH secondary healthcare in the UT of J&K, he said.
In order to promote Medical Tourism in UT, 6 Specialized AYUSH Wellness Centres at famous tourist places-Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Patnitop, Katra and Golf Course Jammu and Srinagar have been approved, out of which three centres have been made operational, he further added. India is home to the world's oldest medical systems. It is not limited to treatment only. It is a science of understanding life and wellbeing in a holistic manner. Through Yoga and Ayush Centres, it is our endeavour to spread the vision and benefits of Ayurveda to all sections of the society, observed the Lt Governor. The Lt Governor also shared valuable suggestions for integrating local health traditions with the mainstream of Ayurveda by promoting People's Science preserved for centuries and transcribing the rich and diverse Indian medicine knowledge in simple language for the new generation. It is also necessary to understand the roots of the traditional system to establish harmony between the Registry of Professionals and the Registry of Facility and all other disciplines of medicine, he added.
Vaidya Jayant Deopujari, Chairman National Commission for Indian System of Medicine and Prof. (Vaidya) Rakesh Sharma, President, Board of Ethics and Registration, also spoke on the occasion and threw light on the key features of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission and the aims and objectives of consultative meeting. Prof. Nilofer Khan, Vice Chancellor, Kashmir University; Bhupinder Kumar, Secretary, Health & Medical Department; Ayushi Sudan, State Mission Director, Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission; senior officials from National Health Authority, ISM and UT Administration; HoDs and scores of health professionals and Ayurvedacharya were present.

What is the traditional Indian medical system called?

To strengthen secondary healthcare, five 50-bedded Integrated AYUSH Hospitals have been approved in the districts of Kulgam, Kathua, Kupwara, Kishtwar, and Samba under the National AYUSH Mission.

In an effort to promote medical tourism, six specialized AYUSH wellness centers have been approved at tourist locations in Jammu and Kashmir, with three already operational.

The establishment of the Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital in Akhnoor and the Unani Medical College and Hospital in Ganderbal marks a significant enhancement in healthcare infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Ministry of AYUSH, in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir administration, is working under the vision of 'One Earth, One Health' to integrate ancient Indian systems of medicine into global healthcare frameworks.

The Indian government has advocated for the inclusion of Ayurveda and related systems in the 11th revision of the World Health Organisation’s International Classification of Diseases (ICD) as part of a supplementary chapter on traditional medicine conditions.

Title:

Content: Traditional Indian medicine set to make a global debut, seeking inclusion in WHO’s ICD-11 list

The inclusion of Ayurveda and related systems on the WHO list will provide it with a common language that allows health professionals to share standardised information across the world

October 14, 2023 06:17 pm | Updated 06:17 pm IST - NEW DELHI

A view of the World Health Organisation headquarters.

In a move meant to put the Indian system of medicine on the world map and provide it with a common standardised language, the Union government has sought for Ayurveda and related systems to be included in the 11th revision of the World Health Organisation’s International Classification of Diseases (ICD), as the second module of a supplementary chapter on traditional medicine conditions.

The ICD provides a common language that allows health professionals to share standardised information across the world. The traditional medicine module of the 11th revision provides a list of diagnostics categories to collect and report on traditional medicine conditions in a standardised and internationally comparable manner.

Speaking exclusively to The Hindu about the development, Ministry of Ayush Secretary Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha said: “We are hopeful that the addition of Module-2 for Ayurveda could happen as early as by next January.”

To aid regulation, research

“Ayurveda and related Indian traditional health care systems are formally recognised and widely practised health care systems in India, which is making a strong and valid point for its inclusion,” said Mr. Kotecha, adding that efforts to effectively regulate traditional medicine as an integral part of the health system require standardised and evidence-based information.

Mr. Kotecha further explained that the traditional medicine chapter under ICD-11 is a formative step for the integration of such forms of medicine into a classification standard used in conventional medicine. “It also provides the means for doing research and evaluation to establish its efficacy,” he said.

The Ministry added that this chapter would also help to respond to growing demands for more and better regulation of traditional medicine, and its integration in mainstream health care and health information systems.

ICD-11 covers Chinese medicine

After a decade of repeated consultations, ICD-11 had facilitated the inclusion of Module-1, which covers traditional medicine conditions originating in ancient China, which are now commonly used in China, Japan, Korea, and elsewhere around the world.

The eleventh revision contains around 17,000 unique codes and more than 1,20,000 codable terms, which are now entirely digital. ICD-11 came into effect from January 2022.

The joint use of ICD-11’s chapter on traditional medicine along with other chapters on neoplasm, patient safety, and injuries, can enhance the reporting of adverse events. It will enable the integration of traditional medicine into insurance coverage and reimbursement systems, in line with larger WHO objectives relating to universal health coverage. It will also link traditional medicine practices with global conventional medicine’s norms and standard development.

The development of Module-2 for Ayurveda-related diagnostic systems is being actively supported by the Ministry of Ayush. It extensively banks on the implementation experience gained on the ground by the National Ayush Morbidity and Standardised Terminologies Electronic portal, and the Ayush Health Information Management System, the Ministry said.

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What is the traditional Indian medical system called?

Incorporating Ayurveda into the ICD-11 provides a standardized language for health professionals worldwide to share information effectively.

The traditional medicine chapter in ICD-11 aims to bridge the gap between traditional and conventional medicine by integrating traditional practices into a globally recognized classification system.

This inclusion is expected to facilitate research and evaluation, thereby establishing the efficacy of Ayurveda in treating various health conditions.

What is the World Health Organization doing to promote traditional medicine, including Ayurveda?

Gathering evidence and data to guide policies

What mental health problems does traditional Indian medicine treat?

Support the management of symptoms related to mental health.

The Ministry of AYUSH has emphasized that the ICD-11 chapter on traditional medicine will play a pivotal role in regulating and integrating traditional medicine into mainstream healthcare and health information systems.

What is the World Health Organization doing to promote traditional medicine, including Ayurveda?

Establishing rules for the safe, fair, and effective use of traditional medicine

Efforts are underway to develop Module-2 for Ayurveda-related diagnostic systems, with active support from the Ministry of AYUSH.

The Ministry is also leveraging the National Ayush Morbidity and Standardised Terminologies Electronic portal and the Ayush Health Information Management System to advance Ayurveda-related diagnostic systems.

A notable case of Ayurvedic treatment success is that of Rosemary Odinga, daughter of former Kenyan President Raila Odinga, who regained her eyesight after treatment at the Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Eyecare Hospital in Kerala, India.

Title:

Content: Wednesday, April 20, 2022
HomeNews Reports‘Former Kenyan President’s daughter Rosemary Odinga regained eyesight with Ayurvedic treatment’: PM Modi at...

‘Former Kenyan President’s daughter Rosemary Odinga regained eyesight with Ayurvedic treatment’: PM Modi at AYUSH Summit

Earlier this year, Raila Odinga was all praise for the Ayurvedic treatment rendered by the Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Eyecare Hospital in Koothattukulam in Ernakulam, that has helped his daughter regain her eyesight.

On April 20, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation at the first Global AYUSH Investment and Innovation Summit (GAIIS) at Gandhinagar, Gujarat. In his address, he talked about the experience Kenya’s former President Raila Odinga had shared with him. He had told PM Modi that his daughter Rosemary Odinga had lost eyesight after surgery for a brain tumour. It was the Ayurvedic treatment she had received in India that helped her regain eyesight.

Ralia Odinga was all praise for Ayurvedic treatment that helped restore his daughter’s vision

Earlier this year, Raila Odinga was all praise for the Ayurvedic treatment rendered by the Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Eyecare Hospital in Koothattukulam in Ernakulam, that has helped his daughter regain her eyesight.

“I came to India for my daughter’s eye treatment in Kochi, Kerala. After three weeks of treatment, there was a substantial improvement in her eyesight. It was a big surprise for my family that our daughter could see almost everything,” Odinga had said then.

Odinga had also shared about the ordeal his daughter had to face after undergoing eye surgeries in many African nations and around the world but with no results. With surgeries not helping to restore his daughter’s eyesight, Odinga turned to India for Ayurvedic treatment to help Rosemary regain her eyesight that she had lost in 2019.

On his way back home to Kenya, Odinga had met PM Modi in Delhi and requested him to help spread ayurvedic eye care that had helped restore his daughter’s eyesight, across the world.

PM Modi speaks about AYUSH supplements help people build immunity

PM Modi mentioned how AYUSH products helped in improving the immunity of Indians. He said, “During the Covid-19 pandemic, AYUSH kadha and supplements were widely used by the people of India to improve their immunity. The export of turmeric was increased by several folds during that period which is a sign that the world is accepting the traditional medicines.”

He added Covid-19 pandemic also showed how pharma companies and vaccine manufacturers can do wonders with timely investment. “Who would have thought India would be able to develop a Made-in-India vaccine so quickly. It is clearly visible how innovation and investment increase potential in all sectors.” He said now is the right time to bring investment in the AYUSH sector as well. “This summit will encourage investment in this sector. AYUSH has huge investment and innovation possibilities. AYUSH medicines, supplements and cosmetics have seen notable progress in recent years,” he added.

PM Modi said before 2014, AYUSH was a 3 billion dollar industry, but now it has become an 18 billion dollar industry. “The demand for Ayush products is increasing across the world, and it will see notable growth in the near future. Supplement development, supply chain management, telemedicine and other industries in this sector have huge possibilities for investment and innovation,” PM added.

PM said the AYUSH Ministry had taken many steps to encourage start-ups in the sector. He said, “Everyone knows that India is seeing a golden period of start-ups. It is the time of Indian unicorns. In less than four months in 2022, 14 start-ups have already joined the unicorn club, and I am sure we will see a unicorn in the AYUSH sector very soon.”

PM said herbal plants are a treasure for the farmers. Himalaya is known for its herbal plants. He said, “There is a saying that there is every alphabet has a Mantra that starts with it, and every root has the potential to become medicine.” He added herbal and medicinal plants could increase the income of the farmers by several folds. However, he noted that the market for such plants is very small. “The government is working on developing an e-market for the farmers where they will be able to connect to the companies that use such plants. It will make it much easier for the farmers to sell their produce.”

PM said the government is also working with other countries to get approval for the AYUSH medicines and supplements. Extensive work is in progress to explore the market in at least 150 countries for the AYUSH products. He added that the AYUSH Export Council is exploring the possibilities in foreign markets. “ FSSAI has added a new category of AYUSH aahar (food) has been added recently. It will help in exploring the market for the nutritional products,” he said.

PM Announced AYUSH Mark, AYUSH Park and AYUSH Visa

PM also announced AYUSH Mark, which will become the global identity for the best AYUSH products. “It will give customer satisfaction to the consumers across the world that they are getting quality Ayush products.”

PM also announced AYUSH Park Network that would provide a new path to the manufacturing industry. Speaking about medical tourism, PM said, “AYUSH has a lot of potential in medical tourism as well. We have seen how traditional medicine has helped Kerala in improving tourism. Every part of India has such potential. ‘Heal In India’ can become a large brand.” PM added that the modern infrastructure would help in improving medical tourism with traditional medicine in different parts of the country.

PM announced that the government would soon launch Ayush Visa, which will help the foreigners to visit India for medical tourism with traditional medicine.

India has a history of the open-source model: PM Modi

PM said the traditional medicine knowledge of India is a treasure for the world. “We are here to reduce the pain of the world. For thousands of years, Ayurveda has been a symbol of healing. We have heard since Ramayana about the wonders of Ayurveda. When Lakshman Ji was unconscious, Hanuman Ji went to Himalaya to get the medicine. Atmanirbhar Bharat was a concept during Ramayana time as well.”

He added that Ayurveda is based on an open-source model. He said, “Open source model is widely appreciated in today’s world. They think that they invented the system. However, India has a long history of the open-source model, and Ayurveda is a perfect example of it. For thousands of years, whoever found new information added it to the text. The open-source model is in our roots.”

Towards the end of his address, he said WHO’s Tedros Ghebreyesus had requested him to give him a Gujarati name. He said, “On today’s auspicious occasion, I give you a new name ‘, Tulsi Bhai’.” He also explained how the Tulsi plant holds utmost importance in Hinduism and is worshipped by the devoted Hindus.

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What does traditional Indian medicine generally treat?

It addresses the physical aspects of health conditions.

What treatment did Former Kenyan President's daughter Rosemary Odinga get that helped her regain eyesight?

Traditional Indian medicine Ayurvedic treatment.

Raila Odinga publicly praised the Ayurvedic treatment in India, which succeeded in restoring his daughter's vision after surgeries in other countries had failed.

What is the traditional Indian medical system called?

What treatment did Former Kenyan President's daughter Rosemary Odinga get that helped her regain eyesight?

Traditional Indian medicine Ayurvedic treatment.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has highlighted the role of AYUSH products in boosting immunity during the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a surge in the export of turmeric and other herbal products.

To establish a global identity for high-quality AYUSH products, the AYUSH Mark was introduced by Prime Minister Modi.

Recognizing the potential of AYUSH in medical tourism, the Indian government announced the Ayush Visa to facilitate foreign visitors seeking traditional medicine treatments in India.

The AYUSH Ministry is actively working to expand the market for AYUSH medicines and supplements in at least 150 countries, supported by the AYUSH Export Council.

Prime Minister Modi has also emphasized the economic potential of herbal and medicinal plants, suggesting that their cultivation could significantly increase farmers' income.

Research on medicinal plants has highlighted the potential of biomolecules derived from plants like Noni for societal benefits.

Title:

Content: ADVERTISEMENT

Research scholars must ultimately become entrepreneurs, says MKU Vice-Chancellor

December 04, 2023 08:23 pm | Updated 08:23 pm IST - MADURAI

Students doing research must ultimately become entrepreneurs, said speakers at a two-day conference titled ‘Sustainable wellness through Noni, medicinal plants, microbe and bio-molecules,’ conducted by the School of Biological Sciences of Madurai Kamaraj University.

Vice-Chancellor J. Kumar spoke about role of plants and microbes in the protection of nature. He stressed the importance of bio-molecules obtained from plants and microbes. Pusan University in South Korea had developed thousands of bio-molecules possessing medicinal value from the plant, ginseng. Similarly, biomolecules from medicinal plants such as Noni could be produced which will be useful to the society.

Consulate general of Malaysia in Chennai, Saravanakumar, said that oil palm trees were grown as the main crop in Malaysia and large quantities of palm oil was produced, while it was grown as an inter-crop in India. Therefore, India and Malaysia can have collaboration with respect to cropping of oil palm trees and other medicinal plants, thereby improving their productivity.

ADVERTISEMENT

Protection of Plant Breeders Varieties and Farmers Rights president and Former VC of University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, Karnataka R R Hanchinal spoke about importance of rare medicinal plants and their protection rights. He said that when the farmers identify new plants and varieties and bring it to the notice of the government, they should be duly appreciated and rewarded.

World Noni Research Foundation’s Chennai president P Rethinam emphasised on the nutrient providing ability and therapeutic ability of Noni fruit and Noni juice. He also suggested use of Noni plants for cancer treatment.

Organising secretary V Shanmugaiah highlighted the importance of micro-organisms, bio-molecules and medicinal plants in treatment of human and animal diseases. The products from Noni and medicinal plants can provide immunity against COVID-19 and a slew of other dreadful diseases.

Earlier, S. Chandrasekhar, convenor, Department of Plant Sciences, welcomed the gathering. N. Mathivanan, vice-president, International Society of Noni Sciences, spoke about the role of Noni sciences in societal contributions and protection against diseases offered by Noni juice. S. Ramaswamy, Head, Department of Biochemistry, proposed the vote of thanks.

This is a Premium article available exclusively to our subscribers. To read 250+ such premium articles every month
You have exhausted your free article limit.
Please support quality journalism.
You have exhausted your free article limit.
Please support quality journalism.
The Hindu operates by its editorial values to provide you quality journalism.
This is your last free article.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

The nutrient-providing and therapeutic properties of Noni fruit and Noni juice have been emphasized, including their potential applications in cancer treatment.

Products derived from Noni and other medicinal plants have shown promise in providing immunity against COVID-19 and other severe diseases.

The role of microorganisms, bio-molecules, and medicinal plants in treating human and animal diseases has been increasingly recognized in contemporary research.


The Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen, a cultural landmark created over 110 years ago, has been subjected to numerous acts of vandalism throughout its history.

Among the most notable incidents, the statue was decapitated twice, marking a particularly severe form of damage to the artwork.

In 2003, the statue was targeted with explosives, which caused it to be knocked off its base, representing one of the most destructive attacks in its history.

In 2017, the statue was doused in red paint as part of a protest against whale hunting, highlighting its use as a platform for environmental activism.

During the global protests following George Floyd's death in 2020, the words 'racist fish' were painted on the statue's base, linking the act of vandalism to broader discussions on racial justice.

Most recently, in March 2023, the statue was defaced with the Russian flag painted on the stone it sits on, an act that drew immediate attention and prompted an investigation by authorities.

The Russian flag incident was discovered early on a Thursday, and authorities began efforts to identify the perpetrator and understand the motivations behind the act.

The Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen, a cultural landmark created over 110 years ago, has been subjected to numerous acts of vandalism throughout its history.

Title:

Content: Russian Flag Painted on Copenhagen's Most Famous Landmark

It's the latest in a long line of attacks on Little Mermaid statue
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Mar 2, 2023 10:15 AM CST

The Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen, one of Denmark's most famous landmarks, has been vandalized yet again, this time with the Russian flag. Authorities said Thursday that the white, blue, and red stripes of the Russian flag were painted on the stone the statue sits on, Reuters reports. Police said the vandalism was discovered early Thursday. "We are of course launching an investigation to find out who did it and when and how it happened," a police spokesman said, per Jyllands-Posten.

Denmark, like other European nations, has strongly criticized Russia's war against Ukraine. The small statue, a tribute to the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale, sits off a waterfront promenade in the Danish capital. It has been vandalized many times since it was installed 110 years ago, AFP reports. It has been decapitated twice and was knocked off its base with explosives in 2003. In 2017, it was doused in red paint in a protest against whale hunting. In 2020, during worldwide protests after the death of George Floyd, the words "racist fish" were painted on the base, though Andersen scholars said they weren't aware of any racist elements in the fairy tale. (Read more The Little Mermaid stories.)

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Among the most notable incidents, the statue was decapitated twice, marking a particularly severe form of damage to the artwork.

In 2003, the statue was targeted with explosives, which caused it to be knocked off its base, representing one of the most destructive attacks in its history.

In 2017, the statue was doused in red paint as part of a protest against whale hunting, highlighting its use as a platform for environmental activism.

During the global protests following George Floyd's death in 2020, the words 'racist fish' were painted on the statue's base, linking the act of vandalism to broader discussions on racial justice.

Most recently, in March 2023, the statue was defaced with the Russian flag painted on the stone it sits on, an act that drew immediate attention and prompted an investigation by authorities.

The Russian flag incident was discovered early on a Thursday, and authorities began efforts to identify the perpetrator and understand the motivations behind the act.


The Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen, a cultural landmark and symbol of Denmark, has been subjected to numerous acts of vandalism over its 110-year history, reflecting its prominence and the diverse motivations behind these incidents.

One of the most striking forms of vandalism occurred when the statue was decapitated on two separate occasions, underscoring the extreme measures taken by some individuals to deface this iconic artwork.

In 2003, the statue was targeted with explosives, resulting in it being knocked off its base, an act that demonstrated the lengths to which vandals would go to disrupt and damage this cultural symbol.

In 2017, the statue was doused in red paint as part of a protest against whale hunting, highlighting how the statue has been used as a platform for expressing environmental and ethical concerns.

During the global protests following George Floyd's death in 2020, the words 'racist fish' were painted on the base of the statue, linking the act of vandalism to broader discussions about racism and social justice.

In March 2023, the statue was defaced with the Russian flag painted on the stone it sits on, an act that drew immediate attention and prompted an investigation by authorities to identify the perpetrator and understand the motivations behind it.

The Russian flag incident was discovered early on a Thursday, and it spurred a swift response from law enforcement to determine the circumstances surrounding this act of vandalism.

The Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen, a cultural landmark and symbol of Denmark, has been subjected to numerous acts of vandalism over its 110-year history, reflecting its prominence and the diverse motivations behind these incidents.

Title:

Content: Russian Flag Painted on Copenhagen's Most Famous Landmark

It's the latest in a long line of attacks on Little Mermaid statue
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Mar 2, 2023 10:15 AM CST

The Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen, one of Denmark's most famous landmarks, has been vandalized yet again, this time with the Russian flag. Authorities said Thursday that the white, blue, and red stripes of the Russian flag were painted on the stone the statue sits on, Reuters reports. Police said the vandalism was discovered early Thursday. "We are of course launching an investigation to find out who did it and when and how it happened," a police spokesman said, per Jyllands-Posten.

Denmark, like other European nations, has strongly criticized Russia's war against Ukraine. The small statue, a tribute to the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale, sits off a waterfront promenade in the Danish capital. It has been vandalized many times since it was installed 110 years ago, AFP reports. It has been decapitated twice and was knocked off its base with explosives in 2003. In 2017, it was doused in red paint in a protest against whale hunting. In 2020, during worldwide protests after the death of George Floyd, the words "racist fish" were painted on the base, though Andersen scholars said they weren't aware of any racist elements in the fairy tale. (Read more The Little Mermaid stories.)

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One of the most striking forms of vandalism occurred when the statue was decapitated on two separate occasions, underscoring the extreme measures taken by some individuals to deface this iconic artwork.

In 2003, the statue was targeted with explosives, resulting in it being knocked off its base, an act that demonstrated the lengths to which vandals would go to disrupt and damage this cultural symbol.

In 2017, the statue was doused in red paint as part of a protest against whale hunting, highlighting how the statue has been used as a platform for expressing environmental and ethical concerns.

During the global protests following George Floyd's death in 2020, the words 'racist fish' were painted on the base of the statue, linking the act of vandalism to broader discussions about racism and social justice.

In March 2023, the statue was defaced with the Russian flag painted on the stone it sits on, an act that drew immediate attention and prompted an investigation by authorities to identify the perpetrator and understand the motivations behind it.

The Russian flag incident was discovered early on a Thursday, and it spurred a swift response from law enforcement to determine the circumstances surrounding this act of vandalism.


The Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen, an iconic cultural landmark, has been subjected to repeated acts of vandalism since its installation in 1913.

One of the most infamous incidents occurred in 1964 when the statue was decapitated, and the head was stolen, never to be recovered.

In 1998, the statue was decapitated again by vandals, but this time the head was restored, allowing the statue to regain its original form.

Explosives were used in 2003 to knock the statue off its base, marking one of the most destructive attacks in its history.

The explosion in 2003 caused significant damage to the statue, prompting extensive restoration efforts.

In 2017, the statue was doused in red paint as part of a protest against whale hunting, highlighting its use as a platform for political statements.

During the global protests following the death of George Floyd in 2020, the statue was defaced with graffiti reading 'racist fish,' reflecting its role in broader social debates.

The same 2020 incident saw the words 'racist fish' painted on the statue’s base, sparking discussions about its cultural symbolism.

In March 2023, unidentified individuals painted the Russian flag on the stone base of the statue, prompting a police investigation into the act of vandalism.

The Russian flag incident in 2023 was widely interpreted as a political statement, though the motives behind the act remain unclear.

Over the years, the Little Mermaid statue has been decapitated twice, painted multiple times, and even subjected to explosive damage, underscoring its vulnerability as a public artwork.

These repeated acts of vandalism reflect the statue’s dual role as both a cherished cultural icon and a canvas for political and social expression.

The Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen, an iconic cultural landmark, has been subjected to repeated acts of vandalism since its installation in 1913.

Title:

Content: Unknown people draw Russian flag on a statue of a mermaid in Copenhagen
COPENHAGEN (AFP) - The iconic Little Mermaid statue in the Danish capital Copenhagen was vandalized on Wednesday night as unidentified people painted the Russian flag on its base.
Announcement
An AFP correspondent reported that the Russian flag was painted under unknown circumstances on the stone above which a statue of the Little Mermaid, inspired by the heroine of one of the stories of the writer Hans Christian Andersen, was installed.
Danish police said they were launching an investigation into the incident, without giving any indication of the source of the move, which shows clear support for Russia amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
A Copenhagen police spokesman told AFP: "We are investigating the area in order to find any evidence."
A small number of tourists in the area took pictures of the statue in the port of Copenhagen, which was vandalized on Thursday morning.
The Little Mermaid statue on a largely unfrequented promenade has been targeted several times since it was installed in 1913.
In 1964, the head of the nymph was stolen for the first time without being recovered.
In 1998, a group of vandals cut off the head of the statue again, but it was later restored.
This monument was exposed to the explosion in 2003.
The statue, created by Danish sculptor Edvard Eriksen, has also been targeted several times with graffiti or graffiti, most recently in 2020 with the inscription “racist fish ”.

One of the most infamous incidents occurred in 1964 when the statue was decapitated, and the head was stolen, never to be recovered.

In 1998, the statue was decapitated again by vandals, but this time the head was restored, allowing the statue to regain its original form.

Explosives were used in 2003 to knock the statue off its base, marking one of the most destructive attacks in its history.

Title:

Content: Russian Flag Painted on Copenhagen's Most Famous Landmark

It's the latest in a long line of attacks on Little Mermaid statue
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Mar 2, 2023 10:15 AM CST

The Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen, one of Denmark's most famous landmarks, has been vandalized yet again, this time with the Russian flag. Authorities said Thursday that the white, blue, and red stripes of the Russian flag were painted on the stone the statue sits on, Reuters reports. Police said the vandalism was discovered early Thursday. "We are of course launching an investigation to find out who did it and when and how it happened," a police spokesman said, per Jyllands-Posten.

Denmark, like other European nations, has strongly criticized Russia's war against Ukraine. The small statue, a tribute to the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale, sits off a waterfront promenade in the Danish capital. It has been vandalized many times since it was installed 110 years ago, AFP reports. It has been decapitated twice and was knocked off its base with explosives in 2003. In 2017, it was doused in red paint in a protest against whale hunting. In 2020, during worldwide protests after the death of George Floyd, the words "racist fish" were painted on the base, though Andersen scholars said they weren't aware of any racist elements in the fairy tale. (Read more The Little Mermaid stories.)

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Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
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2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X

The explosion in 2003 caused significant damage to the statue, prompting extensive restoration efforts.

In 2017, the statue was doused in red paint as part of a protest against whale hunting, highlighting its use as a platform for political statements.

During the global protests following the death of George Floyd in 2020, the statue was defaced with graffiti reading 'racist fish,' reflecting its role in broader social debates.

The same 2020 incident saw the words 'racist fish' painted on the statue’s base, sparking discussions about its cultural symbolism.

In March 2023, unidentified individuals painted the Russian flag on the stone base of the statue, prompting a police investigation into the act of vandalism.

The Russian flag incident in 2023 was widely interpreted as a political statement, though the motives behind the act remain unclear.

Over the years, the Little Mermaid statue has been decapitated twice, painted multiple times, and even subjected to explosive damage, underscoring its vulnerability as a public artwork.

These repeated acts of vandalism reflect the statue’s dual role as both a cherished cultural icon and a canvas for political and social expression.


The Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen has been a target of repeated intentional damages since its installation 110 years ago, with various incidents of vandalism, including decapitation, explosive damage, and painting or graffiti, which will be explored in this report.

One of the most notable forms of vandalism the statue has suffered is decapitation, which has occurred twice, with the first incident happening in 1964, when the head of the Little Mermaid statue was stolen and never recovered.

The second decapitation incident occurred in 1998, when vandals cut off the head of the Little Mermaid statue again, but it was later restored, highlighting the ongoing struggle to protect the statue from intentional damage.

In addition to decapitation, the statue has also been damaged by explosives, with a notable incident occurring in 2003, when the Little Mermaid statue was knocked off its base using explosives, causing significant damage.

The explosive damage in 2003 was not an isolated incident, as the statue was also damaged by an explosion in the same year, further emphasizing the need for increased security measures to prevent such incidents.

The Little Mermaid statue has also been targeted with painting and graffiti, with a recent incident occurring in March 2023, when the Russian flag was painted on the stone it sits on, prompting a police investigation.

In 2017, the statue was doused in red paint as part of a protest against whale hunting, demonstrating how the statue has become a focal point for various social and political movements.

The statue was also defaced with graffiti reading 'racist fish' in 2020, during worldwide protests after the death of George Floyd, highlighting the complex and often controversial nature of the statue's symbolism.

The incident of painting the Russian flag on the base of the Little Mermaid statue in 2023 was not an isolated event, as unidentified individuals had also painted the same flag on the base, prompting a police investigation and raising concerns about the statue's security.

The defacing of the Little Mermaid statue with graffiti reading 'racist fish' in 2020 was a significant incident, as it sparked a wider conversation about the statue's cultural significance and the need for greater understanding and respect for different perspectives.

The Little Mermaid statue has been vandalized multiple times since its installation in 1913, with various incidents of general vandalism, including the aforementioned decapitation, explosive damage, and painting or graffiti, which have all contributed to the statue's complex and often tumultuous history.

The repeated intentional damages to the Little Mermaid statue have raised important questions about the role of public art in urban spaces, the impact of vandalism on cultural heritage, and the need for effective security measures to protect iconic landmarks like the Little Mermaid statue.

As a cultural icon, the Little Mermaid statue has become a symbol of Copenhagen's rich history and cultural heritage, and its repeated vandalism has sparked a wider conversation about the importance of preserving and protecting public art for future generations.

The story of the Little Mermaid statue's repeated intentional damages serves as a reminder of the complex and often contentious nature of public art, and the need for ongoing efforts to protect and preserve cultural heritage in urban spaces.

In the context of Copenhagen's cultural landscape, the Little Mermaid statue's history of vandalism highlights the importance of promoting greater understanding and respect for different perspectives, and the need for effective strategies to prevent future incidents of intentional damage.

The Little Mermaid statue's story is a complex and multifaceted one, reflecting the broader social, cultural, and political currents that have shaped Copenhagen's urban landscape over the years, and its repeated vandalism serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges of preserving and protecting public art in urban spaces.

As a symbol of Copenhagen's cultural heritage, the Little Mermaid statue's history of vandalism underscores the importance of promoting greater awareness and appreciation for the city's rich cultural landscape, and the need for ongoing efforts to protect and preserve its iconic landmarks for future generations.

The repeated intentional damages to the Little Mermaid statue have significant implications for the city's cultural and tourism industries, highlighting the need for effective strategies to prevent future incidents of vandalism and promote a greater sense of respect and appreciation for Copenhagen's cultural heritage.

In conclusion, the Little Mermaid statue's history of repeated intentional damages serves as a powerful reminder of the complex and often contentious nature of public art, and the need for ongoing efforts to protect and preserve cultural heritage in urban spaces, promoting greater understanding and respect for different perspectives, and ensuring the long-term preservation of iconic landmarks like the Little Mermaid statue.

The Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen has been a target of repeated intentional damages since its installation 110 years ago, with various incidents of vandalism, including decapitation, explosive damage, and painting or graffiti, which will be explored in this report.

Title:

Content: Russian Flag Painted on Copenhagen's Most Famous Landmark

It's the latest in a long line of attacks on Little Mermaid statue
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Mar 2, 2023 10:15 AM CST

The Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen, one of Denmark's most famous landmarks, has been vandalized yet again, this time with the Russian flag. Authorities said Thursday that the white, blue, and red stripes of the Russian flag were painted on the stone the statue sits on, Reuters reports. Police said the vandalism was discovered early Thursday. "We are of course launching an investigation to find out who did it and when and how it happened," a police spokesman said, per Jyllands-Posten.

Denmark, like other European nations, has strongly criticized Russia's war against Ukraine. The small statue, a tribute to the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale, sits off a waterfront promenade in the Danish capital. It has been vandalized many times since it was installed 110 years ago, AFP reports. It has been decapitated twice and was knocked off its base with explosives in 2003. In 2017, it was doused in red paint in a protest against whale hunting. In 2020, during worldwide protests after the death of George Floyd, the words "racist fish" were painted on the base, though Andersen scholars said they weren't aware of any racist elements in the fairy tale. (Read more The Little Mermaid stories.)

We use cookies. By Clicking "OK" or any content on this site, you agree to allow cookies to be placed. Read more in our privacy policy.
Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X

One of the most notable forms of vandalism the statue has suffered is decapitation, which has occurred twice, with the first incident happening in 1964, when the head of the Little Mermaid statue was stolen and never recovered.

Title:

Content: Unknown people draw Russian flag on a statue of a mermaid in Copenhagen
COPENHAGEN (AFP) - The iconic Little Mermaid statue in the Danish capital Copenhagen was vandalized on Wednesday night as unidentified people painted the Russian flag on its base.
Announcement
An AFP correspondent reported that the Russian flag was painted under unknown circumstances on the stone above which a statue of the Little Mermaid, inspired by the heroine of one of the stories of the writer Hans Christian Andersen, was installed.
Danish police said they were launching an investigation into the incident, without giving any indication of the source of the move, which shows clear support for Russia amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
A Copenhagen police spokesman told AFP: "We are investigating the area in order to find any evidence."
A small number of tourists in the area took pictures of the statue in the port of Copenhagen, which was vandalized on Thursday morning.
The Little Mermaid statue on a largely unfrequented promenade has been targeted several times since it was installed in 1913.
In 1964, the head of the nymph was stolen for the first time without being recovered.
In 1998, a group of vandals cut off the head of the statue again, but it was later restored.
This monument was exposed to the explosion in 2003.
The statue, created by Danish sculptor Edvard Eriksen, has also been targeted several times with graffiti or graffiti, most recently in 2020 with the inscription “racist fish ”.

The second decapitation incident occurred in 1998, when vandals cut off the head of the Little Mermaid statue again, but it was later restored, highlighting the ongoing struggle to protect the statue from intentional damage.

In addition to decapitation, the statue has also been damaged by explosives, with a notable incident occurring in 2003, when the Little Mermaid statue was knocked off its base using explosives, causing significant damage.

The explosive damage in 2003 was not an isolated incident, as the statue was also damaged by an explosion in the same year, further emphasizing the need for increased security measures to prevent such incidents.

The Little Mermaid statue has also been targeted with painting and graffiti, with a recent incident occurring in March 2023, when the Russian flag was painted on the stone it sits on, prompting a police investigation.

In 2017, the statue was doused in red paint as part of a protest against whale hunting, demonstrating how the statue has become a focal point for various social and political movements.

The statue was also defaced with graffiti reading 'racist fish' in 2020, during worldwide protests after the death of George Floyd, highlighting the complex and often controversial nature of the statue's symbolism.

The incident of painting the Russian flag on the base of the Little Mermaid statue in 2023 was not an isolated event, as unidentified individuals had also painted the same flag on the base, prompting a police investigation and raising concerns about the statue's security.

The defacing of the Little Mermaid statue with graffiti reading 'racist fish' in 2020 was a significant incident, as it sparked a wider conversation about the statue's cultural significance and the need for greater understanding and respect for different perspectives.

The Little Mermaid statue has been vandalized multiple times since its installation in 1913, with various incidents of general vandalism, including the aforementioned decapitation, explosive damage, and painting or graffiti, which have all contributed to the statue's complex and often tumultuous history.

The repeated intentional damages to the Little Mermaid statue have raised important questions about the role of public art in urban spaces, the impact of vandalism on cultural heritage, and the need for effective security measures to protect iconic landmarks like the Little Mermaid statue.

As a cultural icon, the Little Mermaid statue has become a symbol of Copenhagen's rich history and cultural heritage, and its repeated vandalism has sparked a wider conversation about the importance of preserving and protecting public art for future generations.

The story of the Little Mermaid statue's repeated intentional damages serves as a reminder of the complex and often contentious nature of public art, and the need for ongoing efforts to protect and preserve cultural heritage in urban spaces.

In the context of Copenhagen's cultural landscape, the Little Mermaid statue's history of vandalism highlights the importance of promoting greater understanding and respect for different perspectives, and the need for effective strategies to prevent future incidents of intentional damage.

The Little Mermaid statue's story is a complex and multifaceted one, reflecting the broader social, cultural, and political currents that have shaped Copenhagen's urban landscape over the years, and its repeated vandalism serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges of preserving and protecting public art in urban spaces.

As a symbol of Copenhagen's cultural heritage, the Little Mermaid statue's history of vandalism underscores the importance of promoting greater awareness and appreciation for the city's rich cultural landscape, and the need for ongoing efforts to protect and preserve its iconic landmarks for future generations.

The repeated intentional damages to the Little Mermaid statue have significant implications for the city's cultural and tourism industries, highlighting the need for effective strategies to prevent future incidents of vandalism and promote a greater sense of respect and appreciation for Copenhagen's cultural heritage.

In conclusion, the Little Mermaid statue's history of repeated intentional damages serves as a powerful reminder of the complex and often contentious nature of public art, and the need for ongoing efforts to protect and preserve cultural heritage in urban spaces, promoting greater understanding and respect for different perspectives, and ensuring the long-term preservation of iconic landmarks like the Little Mermaid statue.