Our focus is to provide students with opportunities to step out of the classroom and enhance their learning.
The most valuable asset for a doctor may be their degree, but for twenty-something Shubhangi, an Ayurvedic doctor in training, what truly matters is a qualification in human values. This asset, acquired at the Sri Sri College of Ayurvedic Sciences and Research, is what she believes sets her apart from her peers. “Healing and connecting with people on a personal level is what I’ve learned here,” she says.
Doctors across the world are beginning to realize that their degree alone is no longer enough. People go to hospitals not just for treatment but for comfort. What they seek are doctors who go beyond treating the illness — those who lay the foundation for overall well-being.
Today, the trend is toward treatment with a human touch. It is no surprise, then, when Shubhangi, who recently cleared her BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) exams conducted by Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS), Karnataka, says she values the principles and ethics instilled in her by her college above all.
The young woman from Maharashtra praises her alma mater for equipping her with these intangible yet invaluable skills. “When I talk about the individual attention and care we receive at the Sri Sri College of Ayurvedic Sciences & Research (SSCASR), many of my friends who studied the same course at other institutions are surprised,” she shares. With confidence in her faculty and having graduated with an impressive 80.05%, she adds, “Unlike other lecturers who just come to teach, the professors at SSCASR are there to help us truly learn.”
Located on the outskirts of Bangalore on Kanakapura Road, SSCASR is run by the Art of Living Foundation, under the guidance of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. Established in 2004, the college was founded with a broader vision — to revive the ancient system of Ayurvedic healthcare. In just six years, the college has grown significantly and today attracts students from all over India. “In the last RGUHS convocations, our students secured five of the top ten positions,” says the college director, Mr. Sarbeswar Kar.
The college boasts a unique herbal garden with over 500–600 varieties of medicinal plants, along with a modern research and development center. Students are grateful for this hands-on resource, which has helped them understand the healing power of plants.
“Our focus is to provide our students with opportunities to step out of the classroom and enrich their learning experience. At every step, we are guided by the revolutionary vision of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar,” says Mr. Kar. He also shares, “We deliberately established the mandatory hospital closer to 45 surrounding villages so that our students can gain practical experience treating rural patients, while these villages benefit from our services. We treat more than 100 villagers every day, and weekly free medical camps are held in the villages.”
Students also receive training in the preparation of Ayurvedic formulations within the nearby research and development center. “From Chyawanprash (a traditional health tonic) to healing balms, I’ve learned the art of creating these natural remedies, which have no side effects and promote good health. They’ve become so popular in my family that I prepare them every time I go home,” shares Shubhangi.
The college has revived the ancient diagnostic method of Nadi Pariksha (pulse diagnosis), offering doctors a non-invasive diagnostic tool based solely on sensing the patient’s pulse. Mastery in this method is also achieved through three- to four-month training programs under some of the most respected Ayurvedic physicians.
Understanding that only a free and balanced mind can bring wellness to others, students are also trained in breathing and relaxation techniques to help them access their intuitive knowledge. This results in increased focus and mental clarity, which greatly benefits them in their studies and future practice.
Today, institutions like SSCASR are shaping a new generation of modern healers who blend ancient wisdom with personal insight — preparing a society that is healthy, balanced, and stress-free.
