Upon entering its third year since inception, the Studentship Programme for Ayurveda Research Ken (SPARK) continues to draw more attention, showcasing a substantial increase in participation. Developed to nurture interest in research among undergraduate Ayurveda students, the initiative has witnessed a near doubling of project submissions for the academic year 2024-25, reported the Ministry of Ayush.
SPARK Background:
Introduced in September 2022 by the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), SPARK’s enrollment capacity is slated for expansion, following approval from the Ministry to raise its annual intake from 200 to 300 for the 2024-25 cycle. This year’s registration numbers reached 2,161, with 1,154 project submissions recorded on its platform.
In contrast, the prior year observed 2,186 registrations with 615 proposal submissions on the online portal.
Previous Performance:
During the 2022-23 batch, 778 research proposals were submitted, leading to the selection of 100. Following their completion and final approval, 95 candidates received studentships. The intake for 2023-24 saw a rise from 100 to 200, an increase further amplified this year.
Official Remarks and Program Objectives:
Prataprao Jadhav, Minister of State (in-charge) at the Ministry of Ayush, highlighted the program’s role in inspiring undergraduate Ayurveda students to consider research careers. “SPARK fosters a research mindset and prepares the foundation for high-caliber research in Ayurveda, motivating students towards doctoral and post-doctoral research endeavors,” he stated.
The results for the 2023-2024 batch were released on January 18, 2024, with 198 students being confirmed as studentship awardees upon final report acceptance.
Following commendable feedback, the Council received Ministry approval to boost the program’s annual intake from 200 to 300 for the 2024-25 session. Jadhav noted the positive response from participants driving this decision.
SPARK’s primary goal is to integrate undergraduate Ayurveda students into research practice, focusing on methodologies and independent project execution. It offers an online application for Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) students, from their first year through to the fourth year (before the final exams), with a studentship valued at INR 25,000 per month over two months.
Program Future Objectives:
The initiative aims to cultivate a proficient network of Ayurveda doctors and researchers, aligned with the G-20 goals and World Health Organization (WHO) strategies for Traditional and Complementary Medicine integration.
Participants gain a solid understanding of conducting scientific research autonomously, beneficial for their future postgraduate, Ph.D., and research aspirations.
Ultimately, the CCRAS benefits from the creative research concepts of students, which with consent, may serve as a cornerstone for larger research endeavors.