SHSRC-Kerala in collaboration with National AYUSH Mission (NAM), Kerala, is conducting a study titled “Implementation Framework for Integrating AYUSH Interventions into the School Health & Wellness Programme in Kerala”. Under this collaborative initiative, SHSRC-K conducted a stakeholder consultative meeting on 26 February 2026. The primary objective of the meeting was to explore the scope of convergence of two existing school health initiatives—Ayurvidya and Aksharam Arogyam.

The Ayurvidya programme is implemented by the National Ayush Mission, while Aksharam Arogyam is a revised and strengthened initiative of the existing School Health Programme implemented under Ayushman Bharat.

Experts from both programmes participated in the meeting to gain a comprehensive understanding of the existing activities being implemented under these initiatives. The deliberations facilitated an in-depth review of ongoing activities and identification of potential areas of convergence. Detailed insights into the two programmes were provided by Dr. Amar Fettle, State Nodal Officer for Adolescent Health, who presented on the Aksharam Arogyam initiative, and Dr. Anjana J B, NAM Project Coordinator, who elaborated on the Ayurvidya programme. Other experts actively contributed to the discussions, exploring areas of convergence, and suggesting strategies for effective integration and implementation. Dr Jathavedus Mohanlal, Assistant Director of SHSRC-Kerala, delivered the welcome address. The meeting was moderated by Dr Aravind Chandru B, Research Officer at SHSRC-Kerala, who opened with an overview of the research study. He was supported by Research Assistant Devika Rajeesh and Dr Thusharamol N S from SHSRC-Kerala, who served as co-facilitators.

The meeting provided participating departments with valuable insights into the activities being implemented by various agencies, all directed toward the shared goal of student health and well-being. The deliberations identified significant overlaps and complementarities among the initiatives, highlighting the urgent need for convergence to avoid duplication and maximize impact. For SHSRC-Kerala, the meeting yielded critical inputs that will inform the development of a robust implementation framework for integrating AYUSH interventions into the school health programme. This enhanced understanding among stakeholders is expected to foster greater interdepartmental collaboration in the future.