Introduction

Vaidyaratnam P. S. Varier Ayurveda College, Kottakkal, is a premier institution dedicated to Ayurvedic education, healthcare, and research. The institution originated as the Arya Vaidya Patasala established in 1917 at Kozhikode by the visionary scholar Late Vaidyaratnam P. S. Varier. In 1924, the Patasala was shifted to Kottakkal to facilitate hands-on clinical training at the Arya Vaidya Sala Charitable Hospital.

Over the decades, the institution evolved in response to national educational reforms in Ayurveda. The original four-year Arya Vaidyan diploma course was discontinued in 1958 and replaced by the Diploma in Ayurvedic Medicine. In 1972, the institution introduced the Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine course under the University of Calicut, followed by the adoption of the Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery programme in 1979–80.

Since 2010, the college has been affiliated with the Kerala University of Health Sciences (KUHS), Thrissur, and currently follows the regulations prescribed by the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM).

> Historical Perspectives

>> Foundation (1917–1979)

The institution's foundation is deeply rooted in the renaissance of Ayurveda in Kerala. Late Vaidyaratnam P. S. Varier, trained in the traditional Gurukula system, established the Arya Vaidya Samajam in 1902 and spearheaded efforts to institutionalize Ayurvedic education.

The formal inauguration of the Arya Vaidya Patasala on 14 January 1917 marked a historic milestone in structured Ayurveda education. The relocation to Kottakkal in 1924 strengthened clinical integration. Government recognition was granted in 1937, reinforcing institutional credibility.

In 1976, the Government of Kerala, through the Kerala Ayurvedic Studies and Research Society (KASRS), assumed charge of the college with support from Arya Vaidya Sala, Kottakkal. In 1979, the institution was renamed as Vaidyaratnam P. S. Varier Ayurveda College, honouring its founder.

>>> Foundational Growth & Expansion (1990–1997)

The early 1990s marked the strengthening of clinical education with the commissioning of the College Hospital. A fully functional 208-bed hospital block was established, enabling integrated medical education and healthcare delivery.

>>> Navathi Celebration & Academic Expansion (2001–2008)

This period witnessed the formal launch of Postgraduate (PG) courses, significantly enhancing academic and research capabilities. The Navathi (90th anniversary) celebrations held from February 4–6, 2008 marked a historic milestone.

The distinguished visit of former President of India Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam highlighted the importance of integrating Ayurvedic wisdom with modern biotechnology. The Vision 2017 roadmap was presented during this period.

The period also saw the launch of specialized Ayurvedic texts, scientific seminars such as ‘Niruha-2008’, cultural events, and the commissioning of the Hospital-Campus Suite (e-Hospital system).

>>> Infrastructure & Modernization (2010–2012)

• Affiliation with Kerala University of Health Sciences (KUHS).
• Introduction of Smart Classrooms integrating digital pedagogy.
• Infrastructure modernization aligned with academic standards.

>>> Era of Excellence & Expansion (2015 – Present)

Since 2015, the institution has entered a period of academic stature and infrastructural expansion, including the inauguration of Dhanwantari Bhavan and large-scale hospital expansion.

Centenary Celebrations – Satapatham (1917–2017)

The Satapatham celebrations marked the centenary of the institution with year-long academic, social, and cultural programs. Major highlights included:

• Completion of Phase I of a modern 500-bed hospital complex.
• Publication of “Sataayanam” chronicling 100 years of history.
• Conduct of “Agnivesha 2017” national-level Ayurveda talent search.
• Statewide outreach programme “Deeksha” (100 schools, 100 classes).
• Academic integration programme “Alekhya”.
• “Satamudra” cultural festival and “Vaidyathinte Ezhuthu” seminar.

The centenary received honorary messages from national and state leaders including the Prime Minister of India, the Hon. Chief Minister of Kerala, and other dignitaries recognizing the college’s century-long contribution to Ayurvedic education and healthcare.

Key Achievements

• NABH Accreditation.
• 3rd Rank in India and 1st in Kerala by Quality Council of India (QCI) for two consecutive terms.
• Recognition as a KUHS-authorised PhD Centre.