Campus Konnect: TDU Ayurveda Program Deep Dive | Review 🌿
Campus Konnect is an initiative by BioPatrika aimed at bridging the gap between students, faculty, and the broader scientific community. Through this platform, we explore academic programs, research initiatives, and campus experiences, providing valuable insights for aspiring students and researchers. By engaging directly with faculty members and students, Campus Konnect brings forth stories that highlight institutional strengths, innovative programs, and career opportunities.
In this exclusive interview, Prof. Ashwini Godbole and Prof. Subrahmanya Kumar from Transdisciplinary University (TDU), Bengaluru provide a deep dive into their unique MSc Life Sciences Ayurveda Biology program.
🔹 About TDU:
TDU integrates Ayurveda and modern science to address healthcare challenges. It began with documenting India’s vast medicinal plant heritage and now emphasizes conservation, holistic health, and a “One Health” approach.
🎓 Program Highlights:
✅ Blends core life sciences (molecular & cell biology) with Ayurvedic principles
✅ 8-9 month internships for hands-on interdisciplinary research
✅ Open to students from BSc, BAMS, MBBS, pharmacy, engineering, and more
✅ Field trips & lab training for practical exposure
🏛️ Campus & Learning Environment:
🌱 Medicinal plant-rich campus with herbarium & raw drug repository
🔬 Well-equipped labs & pharmaceutical facility
🚀 Strong career support, with alumni in research, industry, clinical practice & public health
💡 Who Should Apply?
This program is perfect for students passionate about integrating Ayurveda with life sciences and exploring transdisciplinary healthcare solutions.
📌 Watch Full Interview:
Part 1
Part 2
🎤 Host: Virender Singh, Founder of SciKonnect & BioPatrika
👥 Guests: Prof. Ashwini Godbole & Prof. Subrahmanya Kumar, TDU Bengaluru
🔔 Like, Share & Subscribe for more insights on top academic programs!
#CampusKonnect #TDU #AyurvedaBiology #MScLifeSciences #Ayurveda #BioPatrika #SciKonnect #HigherEducation
- TDU’s Mission and Background:
- TDU focuses on integrating traditional Indian knowledge, particularly Ayurveda, with modern science to address contemporary healthcare needs..
- It began with documenting medicinal plants and local health traditions.
- It emphasizes conservation, food’s role in health, and a holistic “one health” approach.
- The MSc Life Sciences Ayurveda Biology Program:
- It combines core life science subjects (molecular biology, cell biology, etc.) with fundamental Ayurvedic principles.
- It offers a unique 8-9 month internship, allowing students to merge disciplines and develop independent research skills.
- Eligibility is broad, welcoming students from diverse backgrounds (BSc, BAMS, MBBS, veterinary science, pharmacy, and even engineering etc.).
- The program fosters transdisciplinary thinking and communication
- Infrastructure and Learning:
- TDU boasts a medicinal plant-rich campus, well-equipped labs, and a pharmaceutical facility.
- Students gain hands-on experience with modern equipment and traditional practices.
- Field trips to research institutes, industries, and conservation sites enhance learning.
- They have a very good database for plant information, Herbarium and raw drug repository for quality control and research.
- Career Development:
- TDU actively supports career development through faculty mentorship and connections with industry, NGOs, and research institutes.
- Alumni are well-placed in diverse fields, including research, industry, public health, and clinical practice.
- The program refines clinical practice for those who are already clinicians.
- Campus Life:
- TDU offers a peaceful, green campus with hostel facilities, sports activities, and a library.
- It fosters a “homely” environment that encourages cultural expression.
- Message to Students:
- The program offers a unique and enriching experience beyond a standard MSc.
- It encourages students to embrace transdisciplinary thinking and explore unexplored areas of science.
- The program prepares students for a variety of careers.
- Ideal for students who want to think differently, explore transdisciplinary approaches, and make an impact in healthcare.
This program is a perfect blend of modern science and traditional Ayurveda, offering students a holistic and impactful educational experience.
Interview Q&A: TDU Bengaluru MSc Life Sciences Ayurveda Biology
Host (Virender Singh): Welcome Prof. Godbole and Prof. Kumar to discuss TDU’s MSc Life Sciences Ayurveda Biology program.
Q1: Please introduce yourselves and your backgrounds.
Prof. Godbole: Biologist with a PhD in cell biology, now researching Ayurveda’s cognitive enhancers and teaching cell biology, animal health, and physiology, bridging fundamental research with healthcare through Ayurveda biology.
Prof. Kumar: Ayurveda Vaidya specializing in pharmacognosy, pharmacology of medicinal plants, and Rasayana Tantra, focusing on traditional management of conditions like anemia through diet. I teach fundamental Ayurveda principles, pharmacology, and drug design in Ayurveda.
Q2: What is TDU and its core mission driving the integration of life science and Ayurveda?
Prof. Godbole: TDU was founded by Darshan Shankar, driven by the belief in the value of India’s traditional healthcare knowledge for current needs. Initially focused on documenting India’s vast medicinal plant resources and local health traditions, TDU emphasizes in-situ conservation and a holistic, health-centric approach encompassing human, animal, and planet health.
Prof. Kumar: Ayurveda, with its emphasis on food (Pathya) as a significant aspect of treatment, is a central theme. TDU has documented Ayurvedic food ingredients and recipes, promoting their contemporary relevance. The mission is driven by a transdisciplinary approach for overall health and well-being.
Q3: What is the core structure and eligibility for the MSc Life Sciences Ayurveda Biology program?
Prof. Kumar: The program combines core MSc Life Sciences subjects (molecular biology, cell biology, phytochemistry, physiology, immunology) with fundamental Ayurvedic concepts (principles, Materia Medica, pharmaceutics, dietetics). A unique feature is an 8-9 month internship for in-depth research.
Prof. Godbole: Eligibility is broad, including any BSc combination, BAMS, MBBS, dentistry, veterinary science, and pharmacy sciences. The aim is to foster transdisciplinary thinking by bringing together students from diverse backgrounds.
Q4: What infrastructure is available for students to integrate modern science and Ayurvedic science?
Prof. Godbole: TDU’s campus in Bangalore boasts 1500 medicinal plant species, used directly in teaching. We have well-equipped labs for molecular biology (PCR, qPCR), cell biology, microbiology, and chemistry (HPLC, GC-MS). There’s also a herbarium and raw drug repository.
Prof. Kumar: The campus is a living example of medicinal plant use. Students learn to process raw materials in a small pharmaceutical facility connected to a 100-bed integrative medicine hospital, gaining end-to-end experience. Experts from different fields foster knowledge exchange.
Q5: How much freedom do students have to explore and gain hands-on experience with the infrastructure?
Prof. Kumar: Students get hands-on experience during practical classes and their research dissertation. They are initially supervised but gain independence in using equipment. The internship provides real-lab exposure.
Prof. Godbole: Field visits to research institutes, industries, and conservation sites complement the lab experience, offering a holistic understanding.
Q6: What career development aspects are associated with this program?
Prof. Kumar: TDU has strong connections with NGOs, industry, and academic institutes. Faculty provides individual guidance, connecting students with relevant opportunities based on their interests.
Prof. Godbole: The program’s curriculum is shaped by experts from research, clinical practice (modern and Ayurveda), and industry. Alumni are well-placed in industry, higher education (PhD in India and abroad), public health organizations, and independent practice, often with a refined approach.
Q7: What message would you give to students considering this program over traditional science or biotech programs?
Prof. Godbole: TDU offers a pleasant, green campus with good facilities and a homely environment. The program provides a normal MSc foundation with significant additional benefits, fostering a unique transdisciplinary way of thinking relevant for both career and life beyond academic silos. It encourages a different perspective and offers visible and less visible advantages for a more holistic understanding.
Full Interview Transcript: TDU Bengaluru MSc Life Sciences Ayurveda Biology Review
More details about the TDU MSc Ayurveda Biology program here: https://www.tdu.edu.in/courses/m-sc-life-sciences-ayurveda-biology
Campus Konnect by BioPatrika is committed to showcasing institutions, faculty, and students who are shaping the future of science and education. We invite more universities, research institutes, and faculty members to be part of this initiative and highlight their programs, innovations, and campus stories. If you would like to feature your institution in Campus Konnect, reach out to us—we’d love to share your journey with the wider scientific community!
YouTube – Campus Konnect
Email – biopatrika.in@gmail.com
