The Ministry of Ayush on Wednesday launched Prakriti Cafe at Ayush Bhawan, introducing what it described as the ministry’s first workplace initiative aimed at promoting healthy eating habits based on the principles of Ayush Ahaar.
The cafe was inaugurated by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush and Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav, who said the initiative reflects the government’s vision of promoting wellness through healthier everyday lifestyle choices.
Speaking at the inauguration, Jadhav said food plays a central role in overall well-being and that nutritious eating should be viewed as an important component of preventive healthcare.
He noted that changing dietary habits and the increasing consumption of junk food have contributed to the rise in lifestyle-related diseases, particularly among younger people. The minister said Prakriti Cafe aims to encourage healthier food choices by making wholesome, Ayush-inspired meals available at affordable prices.
“Prakriti Cafe is a reflection of our vision of promoting wellness not only through healthcare, but also through healthy everyday choices,” he said.
Ayush Secretary Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha said the initiative seeks to bring the principles of Ayush closer to everyday life by encouraging mindful nutrition and healthier eating practices.
He said the cafe is designed to promote awareness of India’s traditional dietary wisdom while creating a space that encourages healthy food habits and community engagement.
The cafe serves a range of dishes inspired by the Ayush Ahaar initiative, which promotes balanced and nutritious diets rooted in India’s traditional knowledge systems. The menu includes preparations such as beetroot and oats cutlets, kosambari, millet dhokla, khandvi, oats poha, little millet vegetable upma and makhana kheer prepared with jaggery.
The cafe also offers healthy beverages including coconut water, tulsi-ginger tea and green tea, reflecting the ministry’s emphasis on wholesome nutrition and preventive healthcare.
According to the Ayush Ministry, the initiative is intended to increase awareness about the role of food and nutrition in maintaining a healthy lifestyle while integrating traditional dietary practices into modern workplace culture.
Senior officials and employees of the ministry attended the inauguration. The launch of Prakriti Cafe is part of the ministry’s broader efforts to promote wellness and preventive healthcare by incorporating the principles of Ayush into everyday life.
