On December 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi released a commemorative postal stamp on Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) during the closing ceremony of the 2nd WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine in New Delhi.
Overview
The release took place at Bharat Mandapam, where the Prime Minister was joined by WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. The stamp symbolizes the global recognition of India’s traditional medicinal heritage and highlights Ashwagandha’s evolution from an ancient herb to a globally relevant, evidence-based healthcare solution.
Key Points
- Symbol of Heritage: The five-rupee stamp, a collaboration between the Department of Posts and the Ministry of Ayush, represents the “global resonance” of Indian traditional medicine.
- Global Relevance: The Prime Minister emphasized Ashwagandha’s transformation from a traditional herb to a subject of modern scientific research, highlighting its increased international recognition, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Scientific Validation: The event underscored India’s commitment to advancing traditional medicine through evidence-based practices, focusing on safety, quality, and global acceptance.
- Associated Launches: The Prime Minister also launched other initiatives, including the Ayush Mark for product quality, a digital Traditional Medicine Global Library, the My Ayush Integrated Services Portal (MAISP), and WHO Technical Report on Yoga Training guidelines.
- Delhi Declaration: The summit concluded with the Delhi Declaration, recognizing traditional medicine as a shared heritage and supporting the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034.
PRACTICE QUESTIONS
Consider the following statements regarding the initiatives launched at the Second WHO Global Summit:
I. Prime Minister Narendra Modi released a commemorative postal stamp of ₹5 denomination on Ashwagandha to symbolize its global importance
II. The summit concluded with the adoption of the “Delhi Declaration,” committing to the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) I only
b) II only
c) Both I and II
d) Neither I and II
Answer: c
Explanation: Statement I is Correct: During the closing ceremony of the Second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine on December 19, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi released a commemorative postal stamp on Ashwagandha. This initiative was designed to symbolize the global resonance and importance of India’s traditional medicinal heritage. Statement II is Correct: The summit, held from December 17–19, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, concluded with the adoption of the “Delhi Declaration”. This declaration commits Member States to strengthening evidence, regulation, and integration of traditional medicine, aligning with the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034.
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