Studentship Program for Ayurveda Research Ken (SPARK)

Why in News?
The Central Council for Ayurvedic Sciences Research (CCRAS) has taken a unique initiative to support the research efforts of bright young minds of the country by developing the Scholarship Scheme for Ayurveda Research Ken (SPARK) for Ayurveda Students (BAMS) studying at recognized Ayurveda Colleges.  

About the SPARK Program

1. This program has been initiated by the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS).
   
2. The SPARC program aims to support the research ideas of young undergraduate students enrolled in Ayurveda colleges across India.
   
3. The application process for the SPARK program will be entirely online. Interested candidates have to submit their research proposals through the SPARK portal.
   
4. The proposals under this program will be evaluated by eminent experts and reviewers.
   
5. The selected fellows will be offered financial assistance of Rs 50,000 under the fellowship.
   

Importance of the SPARK Program

Scientific Research: This program will support young students’ innovative ideas and promote a culture of scientific research based on evidence in the field of traditional medicine.  

Research Ideas: The SPARK program is primarily developed to help students develop skills for research and to further support and encourage their research ideas.

About Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS):

CCRAS is an apex body in India for formulation, coordination, development and promotion of research on scientific lines in Ayurveda and Sowa-Rigpa systems of medicine.
Parent Ministry: The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) is an autonomous body of the Ministry of AYUSH.
CCRAS is the largest research council under the Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy), Government of India.

The Mission of CCRAS:

• To aim for AYUSHMAN Bharat by way of promoting better health through evidence-based Ayurvedic principles and practices.
• To develop CCRAS into a vibrant, dynamic and model research organization to undertake, coordinate, assist and promote research in Ayurveda.
• Bringing out modern scientific knowledge, and technology to explore the scientific treasure of Ayurveda by following the prevailing scientific methods.
• Achieve global leadership in research for the treatment and prevention of important emerging diseases related to lifestyle and health needs.
• Bringing in modern scientific knowledge, and technology to unearth Ayurveda scientific treasures, following the prevailing scientific methods.
• Achieve global leadership in research for the treatment and prevention of critical emerging lifestyle diseases and health needs.
  

Objectives of Council

The Central Council for Ayurvedic Sciences Research (CCRAS), an autonomous body under the Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India is a leading body in India for the undertaking, coordinating, formulating, developing and promoting scientific research in Ayurvedic sciences. Activities are carried out through its 30 institutes/centres/units located across India and also through studies in collaboration with various universities, hospitals and institutes. The research activities of the Council include research on medicinal plants (Medico-Ethno Botanical Survey, Pharmacognosy and Tissue culture), drug standardization, pharmacological research, clinical research, literary research & amp; Tribal Health Care Research Program and Literature. 

The purposes for which the Central Council is established are:

1. The formulation of research objectives and models on scientific lines in Ayurvedic sciences.
2. Undertake any research or other program in Ayurvedic sciences.
3. Continuation and support for research, dissemination of knowledge and experimental measures are usually related to causation, mode of spread and disease prevention.
4. Initiate, help, develop and coordinate scientific research in the different aspects, fundamental and applied, of Ayurvedic Sciences and promote and assist research institutes in the study of diseases, their prevention, causation and treatment.  
5. To finance surveys and research for the promotion of the objects of the Central Council.
6. Exchange information with other Institutions, Associations and Companies interested in objects similar to those of the Central Council and especially in the observation and study of diseases in the East and India in particular.  
7. To prepare, print, publish and display all documents, posters, brochures, periodicals and books to promote the aims of the Central Council and contribute to this literature. 
8. Make appeals and submit requests for money and funds for Central Council purposes and to accept for this purpose gifts, donations and subscriptions of money and securities and all movable or immovable property.  
9. Borrow or raise funds with or without collateral or on each other’s mortgage or pledge or any movable or immovable property belonging to the Central Council or otherwise.  
10. Investment and management of funds and sums of the Central Council or entrusted to the Central Council not immediately requested as determined from time to time by the Board of Directors of the Central Council.