Wayanad : A new chapter in empowering tribal communities in Wayanad began today with the inauguration of the Ayurveda Nursing Training Institute, an initiative aimed at equipping tribal men and women with skills in traditional Ayurvedic care. The institute was formally inaugurated by Minnu Mani, an Indian international cricketer and Wayanad’s own sporting icon.
Supported by ZEISS India’s CSR funds, Ayurveda Nursing Training Institute situated in Meenangadi, Wayanad will be promoted by Bharat Shodh, (Society for Human and Organizational Development in Harmony), a non-governmental organization dedicated to community development. Notably, ZEISS India is a wholly owned subsidiary of ZEISS Group – the German brand and the pioneer of science in optics since 179 years.
The institute will offer a six-month training programme in Ayurvedic therapies and wellness practices. The course will be offered free of cost, with an initial batch of 25 to 30 students. The initiative is designed to create sustainable livelihood opportunities by blending traditional wisdom with structured skill development. Plans are also underway to establish similar institutes in other parts of Wayanad in the near future.
Speaking at the inauguration, Ms. Minnu Mani said: “It is truly inspiring to see an initiative that empowers our tribal youth through the knowledge of Ayurveda, a gift of our heritage. I believe this training will open new doors of opportunity and self-reliance for many in our community.”
Speaking about the launch of this CSR initiative, Mr. Dhaval Radia, Chief Financial Officer of ZEISS India said: “Empowering communities has always remained at the heart of our purpose, and this initiative reflects that commitment. By supporting the Ayurveda Nursing Training Institute, we are helping create pathways to secure livelihoods while preserving the deep-rooted wisdom of traditional healing. It is inspiring to see tribal youth step into a future where their heritage becomes their strength. We are proud to stand with Bharat Shodh in enabling opportunities that uplift families, strengthen local healthcare, and build long-term social impact in Wayanad.”
Swami Padmaprakasha Jnanathapaswi, Chairperson – Bharat Shodh said, “Our goal is to preserve and promote the traditional healing wisdom of Ayurveda while empowering the tribal population with employable skills. This is not just training, it’s about dignity, self- confidence, and community growth. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and modern practice. By training young men and women in authentic Ayurvedic methods, we are investing in both cultural preservation and rural healthcare capacity.”
Job opportunities for trained AYUR NURSES
The immediate job market for these women could be Bangalore or cities in the south where the addressable market for prenatal, postnatal and geriatric care is huge.
The market for prenatal, postnatal, and geriatric care in South Indian cities, including Bangalore, is a significant and rapidly expanding market, with the geriatric care sector alone projected to reach over $42 billion by 2032 in India. The South accounts for a dominant share of these service industries, indicating a high demand for related job roles.
The Indian geriatric care market is valued at over $20 billion and is expected to grow from $25.7 billion in 2025 to $42.2 billion by 2032.
South India Dominance: South Indian cities (Chennai, Coimbatore, and Bengaluru) account for a significant portion (around 60%) of India’s senior living market share.
