Is Siddha the Silent "S" in AYUSH?

[Sarositara]

I have often wondered.

If AYUSH stands for Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy, why does the “S” so often seem to fade into silence?

Why do so many calls for research, fellowships, jobs, conferences, and collaborations across India mention BAMS, BHMS, BUMS, and BNYS, yet forget BSMS?

Aren’t we part of AYUSH too?

As a recently graduated Siddha physician, this question has troubled me—not out of resentment, but out of concern.

Because invisibility is a strange kind of burden.

With its rich pharmaceutics, 32 internal and 32 external therapies, Varma tradition, 96 Thathuvams, and centuries of classical Tamil wisdom, Siddha has much to contribute. Yet, many BSMS graduates struggle to find recognition, opportunities, and even awareness beyond Tamil Nadu.

And perhaps the more painful truth is that many of us struggle even within Tamil Nadu.

I have often found myself searching for research opportunities, public health programs, and interdisciplinary roles, only to discover that the eligibility criteria frequently include every AYUSH stream except BSMS.

Sometimes, we spend more time explaining our degree than practicing what we have spent years studying.

Some graduates leave the field altogether.

Others quietly continue, driven by conviction rather than visibility.

And I wonder.

How can a system flourish if its practitioners are forced to spend more time proving their existence than practicing their science?

This is not a plea for superiority.

Nor is it a comparison with other systems.

It is simply a call for inclusion.

If Siddha is part of AYUSH, then representation should not stop at the acronym.

Recognition should be reflected in policies, fellowships, research opportunities, public health programs, and national conversations.

Ancient traditions do not disappear overnight.

Sometimes, they are simply forgotten.

And perhaps the greatest threat to a knowledge system is not criticism.

It is silence.

Because the “S” in AYUSH was never meant to be silent.

It was meant to be heard.

Can a knowledge system truly flourish if its practitioners are constantly fighting to be seen? What are your thoughts?

MBH/PS

[Sindhushareddy]

Very well said and it depicts the voice of not getting heard after investing so much time and energy into education which is not being respected or recognised properly.

[Dr.Tanu]

I would like to contribute like a lay person who knows absolutely nothing about ‘siddha’

Let alone a normal person, even people in the healthcare field aren’t aware of this practice and it’s the responsibility of the practitioners to spread awareness as much as it’s the responsibility of other HCPs.

I really think more awareness and education in an interesting and accessible way to the masses about siddha can help here.

[Sarositara]

Thank you, Dr. Tanu. I agree wholeheartedly. Perhaps awareness itself is the first medicine for invisibility. As practitioners, we too have a responsibility to translate Siddha into a language that the wider world can understand and appreciate. After all, traditions do not disappear overnight; sometimes, they simply drift out of conversations. And perhaps recognition begins by bringing them back into one.

[Sarositara]

Thank you for understanding the sentiment behind this piece. I believe many BSMS graduates resonate with that feeling. Hopefully, conversations like these can transform silent struggles into meaningful discussions and, eventually, into greater recognition and opportunities