TDU Blog

Every year on July 1st, India observes National Doctors' Day to pay tribute to the unwavering service, compassion, and commitment of doctors across the country.

Yoga is far more than a physical exercise—it is a holistic and conscious way of living, which if practiced solemnly and practiced sincerely, becomes a daily discipline that encourages us to live in harmony with nature, turning environmental conservation into a natural part of our lifestyle.

Where Different Paths Converge to Create Extraordinary and Transdisciplinary Learning.

Where Ancient Wisdom Meets Cutting-Edge Science

Traditional biology education follows a familiar path: molecules to cells to organs to organisms.

The incredibly large shortfall of surgeons in India across surgical domains, from obstetrics to cardiology, is a well-known fact. Erudite surgeon practitioners, have publicly shared their concerns about the enormous gaps in India’s surgical workforce. The deficit is staggering, running into several hundred thousand.

Applications for the next cohort are now open. We invite students who are passionate about rigorous scientific inquiry as well as Ayurveda to join us in a journey that will transform their career in healthcare.

Ayurveda Biology is an emerging field which seeks to explore biology from the ayurvedic as well as modern biomedical perspectives.

The world faces increasingly complex challenges, from public health crises to environmental issues. Tackling these requires more than just expertise in a single field. It demands a new way of thinking, one that breaks down traditional silos and integrates knowledge from diverse disciplines. This is the essence of transdisciplinary science.

Consider the story of artemisinin, the antimalarial compound derived from sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua).

In an era of processed foods, dietary supplements, and nutrition apps that can track every macro and micronutrient, it might seem counterintuitive to look at olden times for guidance on what to eat.

In a small village of Kanker, Chattisgarh in central India, amidst fields of maize, lentils and vegetable patches, demarcated with walls of old sarees winded through sturdy shrubs is a rectangular plot of land, a Home Herbal Garden.

The question "Is Ayurveda a science?" often sparks heated debates, with proponents and sceptics holding entrenched views that seemingly will never converge.

The landscape of higher education in India has just witnessed a groundbreaking development. For the first time in the history of the University Grants Commission, , Ayurveda Biology has been recognized as a distinct subject area in the UGC-NET exam. This opens unprecedented opportunities for graduates in the life sciences to pursue academic and research careers in this emerging transdisciplinary field.

While we often focus on the tangible aspects of Ayurveda Biology—the compounds extracted, the clinical trials conducted, the mechanisms elucidated—we rarely examine the invisible foundation that makes it all possible: a radically different way of thinking about life, health, and the nature of reality itself.

For centuries, humanity has sought to understand the complexities of health and disease. Modern biology, with its powerful tools and reductionist approach, has unveiled intricate molecular mechanisms and paved the way for groundbreaking medical interventions. Simultaneously, traditional systems of medicine, like Ayurveda, have accumulated vast knowledge through empirical observation and practice, offering holistic perspectives on well-being that have stood the test of time.

For centuries, traditional Ayurveda has appeared to be worlds apart from reductionist modern biology. But what if the gap between them isn't a chasm, but the opportunity to build a bridge?

Imagine a world where your grandmother's herbal remedies and practices are understood biologically using cutting-edge laboratory research. This isn't science fiction – it is just one aspect of an exciting field called Ayurveda Biology; a field that is revolutionizing how we think about health and healing.

In recent decades, the unchecked rise in plastic production—now exceeding 348 million tonnes annually—has emerged as a major environmental concern.

On the occasion of the International Day for Biological Diversity, observed every year on 22nd May, the University of Trans-disciplinary Health Sciences and Technology(TDU), Bengaluru reaffirms its commitment to ecological restoration and sustainable living through a grassroots initiative—Food Forage Forest Plots(FFFPs). This year’s global theme, “Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development,” finds local resonance in this small but impactful effort, launched with support from the Rural India Support Trust (RIST)under a Food Future-focused project, led by Dr. Gurmeet Singh, Professor, TDU.

Theme: “Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development” Medicinal Plants: Rooted in Wisdom, Growing for the Future

TDU in collaboration with the regional museum on Natural History (RMNH) Mysore has launched exhibition titled “Medicinal Plants: A Living Tradition of Healing,”. This initiative aims to celebrate educate and promote the importance of medicinal plants in sustainable healthcare.

A long-time friend, mentor and supporter of TDU, Dr Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan has bid adieu.

Food innovation took centre stage in Bangalore at the Symposium & Workshop on Alternative Proteins, jointly organized by TDU and the University of Greenwich (Medway Campus). Supported by the Science & Technology Network and the British High Commission, New Delhi, this two-day event ran from March 27th to March 28th, 2025 at the TDU Campus.

Food Forage Forests are more than conservation spaces—they represent a way of living in balance with nature, preserving traditional knowledge, and fostering a sustainable future

A day to recognize and acknowledge the vital role soil plays in sustaining life and promoting ecosystem health. Read on to know more about World Soil Day

Its World Cashew Day. And we want to speak to you about the Ayurveda perspective, properties and its benefits. Read to know more

Researchers at TDU and the "Plants for Health" team at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, UK conducted a study on plant nomenclature in medicinal and food databases, funded by the British High Commission. The study highlights inconsistencies in plant naming, impacting biodiversity, consumer safety, and the regulation of new plant-based products

At this year's Smart Protein Forum, students were challenged to create #SmartBreakfast hacks that are quick, tasty, protein-packed, affordable, and sustainable. Out of the 30 entries, the judges awarded winners in the Product Development category for their innovative and impactful solutions to rethinking breakfast.

Calling Undergraduate and above students to join the Smart Breakfast Hackathon with individual submissions. Unleash your skill in Product Development, Process Improvement and Creative Scicomm, submit your PDF entry for a chance to win Rs 5,000 or an internship. Prizes announced on 18 October, 2024.

On 17th September 2024, TDU hosted a collaborative one-day program with Central Academy for State Forest Services (CASFOS) officers, Coimbatore, under the Special Campaign 4.0 Swachhata initiative to promote cleanliness and sustainable practices. The event fostered eco-friendly initiatives and awareness among participants.

Be a part of the solution ! The Smart Protein Forum 2024 invites students to tackle the breakfast protein challenge by creating innovative, protein-rich breakfast options aimed at making a healthy, protein-packed breakfast that is convenient, tasty, affordable, and sustainable.

Is our humble unassuming nugge / muringai / sahjan/ moringa the super food it is told to be ? Read to know the real properties and benefits of this neighbourhood tree

Know about Citron aka Kanchikai / Narthangai / Bada Nimbu , its properties and nutritional qualities in the first of this two part read

Continuing from part 1, know more about the properties of Matulunga (Citron fruit) as per Ayurveda, uses in various conditions, mode of usage, some popular recipes, side effects and textual references

The 78th Indian Independence Day celebration at TDU was a patriotic event with flag hoisting, remembering our freedom fighters, inspiring speeches and planting saplings contributing to our country’s green cover. Students, faculty, and staff came together to honour the day, a reminder of our collective responsibility to uphold the values of unity, integrity, inclusivity and progress.

TDU community actively participated in #Plant4Mother campaign, launched by the Prime Minister on World Environment Day 2024 to encourage global participation in tree planting as a tribute to mothers and Mother Earth by planting saplings across the campus.

Proudly sharing the news of Dr. Darshan Shankar, our Vice-Chancellor conferred the Environment Protection 2024 award from Rotary Club of Madras East and Cavinkare India Pvt Ltd. This recognition celebrates the outstanding work of our organisation under Dr. Shankar's leadership in revitalising India's traditional medical knowledge systems, conserving medicinal plants, a legacy continued at the I-AIM Healthcare Centre and TDU, Bangalore.

Bael is a revered tree in Indian culture, the sharbat a popular drink during seasonal festivals and religious ceremonies. Know about the fruit Bael / Kapittha / Belada hannu / Wood Apple and its nutritional importance here

Are you someone who is unable to tolerate chillies ? Read on to know about Pippali, a wonderful alternative to chilly with much more health benefits and some delicious traditional recipes with it for you to make Pippali a part of your diet

We pay obeisance to two of our guiding lights whom we lost this year, Dr MS Valiathan and Dr Ashok B Vaidya. Their guidance, support and wisdom will always stay with us

Its Jamun time in our campus and while we relish this purple deliciousness, let me tell you about its health benefits and also share some recipes for you to try out

All you berry-lovers, do you know of this indigenous berry named Karonda ? Read On to know more about its health benefits and ways in which you can use them

Are you a BAMS graduate who has wondered what are the higher studying options available to you other than MD ? Here is something you should explore

All of us know Ginger or do we ? Well let me Ginger you up with some health and nutritional benefits of this rhizome

We celebrated World Environment Day this year by planting a sapling of Soymida febrifuga / Mamsarohini / Red Indian Wood, a valued medicinal resource of Ayurveda in our campus

TDU & Good Food Institute (GFI) invite you to join us on a webinar tailored for students enrolled in courses such as Food Engineering and Technology, Food Biotechnology, Food Science, Biotechnology, and allied disciplines who are keen to learn more about the use of different protein sources and the process of extrusion.

Forest Range Officers trainees from Tamil Nadu Forest Academy, Coimbatore visit our campus to learn more on our work in conservation

TDU and IKP Knowledge Park has signed an MoU that will enable to collaborate and build the Protein Futures together, to integrate diverse knowledge systems and foster holistic approaches to sustainability.

A PG Diploma course to make your time between UG and the PG Entrance exam count by gaining knowledge bridging the gap between fundamental biology and clinical science. Read to know more

Students from College of Alice & Peter Tan, University of Singapore visit TDU to learn about our work

ICMR-NIN has released a new set of guidelines for Indians.

TDU University launches Short Certificate Programme on Museology (SCP-MU) on the International Museum Day on 18th May 2024.

Around 50 students from the Department of Life Sciences, Indian Academy Degree College

Around 50 students from T John College of Pharmacy, Bangalore, visited TDU on 8th February 2024 to gain knowledge of the outreach programs at TDU and to explore various fields of research within TDU's thematic areas.

When I step into the kitchen, I immediately consider the day's ingredients for my meal.

Author: Dipin V 4th Semester MSc Life Sciences (Ayurveda Biology)

Both milk and buttermilk provide essential nutrients, but their impact on health can vary, particularly in the context of Ayurveda and modern science.

Thailand, a captivating blend of stunning natural beauty and a vibrant cultural tapestry, welcomed me with open arms.

This is the first part of our two-part Kitchen Pharmacy series, offering simple self-care choices that are easy to prepare.

Plant has been used traditionally for various diseases, from the skin to the brain.

Karonda plants can be easily cultivated and free of serious pests. It produces small, berry-sized, reddish-black fruits which are generally sour with a subtle sweetness, and rich in vitamins and antioxidants.

Aegle Marmelos, commonly known as Beal or Bealam. I have a three-pointed leaf that has inspired people to compare me to the trident of Lord Shiva or the three-headed demon in the Devil’s bible. ‍

On the occasion of the 77th Indian Independence Day, the staff and students of TDU came together on 15th August 2023 morning for the hoisting of the Indian tricolour at the University campus.

The state of Karnataka is home to many diverse communities and cultures; each with their traditional foods. Moreover, festivals and rituals associated with these cultures are specific and unique.

In ancient systems of medicine, the emphasis on harmonizing food combinations to maintain overall health and well-being is given importance.

As part of this Indo-British project, the workshop was held on 19th July 2023 at TDU to review the intersection between biomedical and traditional medical systems which are in active use.

TDU team with KEW Team, Mark Nesbitt and Erin Messenger visit Gudibande forest

TDU celebrated Institutional Day on 4th July 2023, collaborating with its sister institution I-AIM on the occasion.

When most people think of jackfruit, they think of the sweet, ripe fruit that is commonly used in desserts and smoothies. However, unripe jackfruit is also edible and has numerous health benefits. Unripe jackfruit is a popular ingredient in many Southeast Asian cuisines and is becoming increasingly popular in the Western world as a meat substitute.

Japan Training summer program towards SDGs Learning from UNESCO Designated sites in Japan (Kanazawa University)

I am a Nutritional Powerhouse - Part 1

Solanum nigrum, Solanum americanum, and Solanum villosum. They are all found in India (and across southeast Asia) and are known by local names like Manathakalli (Tamil), Kashi soppu (Kannada), and Kamanchi (Telugu) - with similar uses