The Past and Future of Ayurveda at the University of Debrecen 03. Feb. 2026

M. S. Baghel was an internationally recognised authority on Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, often referred to as the 'science of life'. Throughout his career, he played a pivotal role in establishing the scientific basis of traditional Indian medicine and promoting its global dissemination. Professor Baghel served as Director at Gujarat Ayurved University and held numerous senior government committee positions dedicated to Ayurvedic research. It was under his leadership that Europe's first Ayurveda department was established at the University of Debrecen in 2014, following an intergovernmental agreement between India and Hungary. This collaboration was a global milestone, as Debrecen became only the second location worldwide where organised, university-level Ayurveda training could be offered. Professor Baghel’s legacy will now be commemorated by a relief plaque displayed at the university's Institute of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy.

- It was a special honor and unique opportunity that the Indian government's AYUSH Ministry chose a Hungarian university, namely the University of Debrecen, for partnership. Professor Baghel became a defining and emblematic figure of our institute, and it was through his work that holistic Ayurvedic medicine was established at the University of Debrecen. Following his retirement, his work was continued by Professor Asmita Wele, which unfortunately came to an end due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are determined to revive this collaboration, as a very significant part of world medicine is based on Ayurveda, which is more than five thousand years old, with particular regard to the university's focus on oncotherapy efforts - emphasized Rector Zoltán Szilvássy, director of the Institute of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, at the unveiling ceremony.

During the nearly six years of operation of the Ayurveda Chair at the University of Debrecen, the foundations of Ayurvedic education and research were successfully established. Elective courses were introduced for students of medicine, pharmacy, health sciences, and dentistry. Joint research projects led to the development of Ayurvedic herbal-based preparations, and studies were conducted on the feasibility of cultivating medicinal plants used in Indian medicine under local conditions. Educational and research activities were further supported by a 500-volume Ayurveda book collection donated by the Government of India, covering all segments of Ayurvedic medical education.

-Professor Baghel was uniquely suited to introduce India’s more than 5,000-year-old natural medical system to European professionals and to integrate it scientifically into the Western world. The University of Debrecen was exemplary in its openness to this approach even at that time. I am especially proud that today it is Hungary’s largest university and hosts the highest number of Indian students, more than 400, most of whom are enrolled in medical programs-said Anshuman Gaur, Ambassador of the Republic of India to Hungary, at the ceremonial event.

The commemorative plaque, created by Munkácsy Mihály Prize-winning sculptor Richárd Juha, was unveiled jointly by the Ambassador and the Rector.

Following the ceremony, the Indian delegation, joined by additional university and faculty leaders, held consultations on the scientific principles of Ayurvedic medicine and the continuation of the collaboration initiated by Professor Baghel. The delegation also included Chinmay Pandya, Pro-Rector of Dev Sanskriti University, one of the University of Debrecen’s partner institutions in India.

Guests were given a detailed overview of the University of Debrecen's wide-ranging training portfolio and infrastructure, from Okszana Kiszil, Director for Coordination and Strategy, with particular emphasis on medical and health sciences, research and development priorities, as well as the University’s international institutional and industrial partnerships.

During the meeting, the parties agreed to expand cooperation between the University of Debrecen and Dev Sanskriti University. This will include cultural and mobility opportunities in addition to the continuation of previously initiated scientific programs. The plans would also be complemented by cooperation with Indian industrial players operating in Europe.

Concluding the visit, Pro-Rector Chinmay Pandya donated a collection of Indian classical works of literature and philosophy to the University of Debrecen. 

Press Center- TH