Ayurveda Gains International Spotlight at Global Conference

Ayurveda’s significance on the global stage is being strengthened through ongoing scientific research and international collaboration. This assertion was made by Dinesh Bhatia, India’s Ambassador to Brazil, during the third International Ayurveda Conference. The event, co-hosted by the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC) and Conayur Sao Paulo, celebrated 40 years of Ayurveda’s presence in Brazil. It attracted experts, practitioners, scholars, and students from Latin America and India, emphasizing the growing partnership between the two nations in traditional healthcare systems.

The two-day conference took place under the auspices of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). It provided a platform for sharing knowledge and experiences related to Ayurveda, showcasing its relevance in contemporary healthcare. Bhatia noted that the upcoming WHO-Ministry of Ayush Global Summit on Traditional Medicine, scheduled for December 17-19 in New Delhi, will further highlight Ayurveda’s global importance.

In his address, Bhatia acknowledged Brazil’s pioneering role as the first South American country to officially recognize Ayurveda. He referred to the recent visit of Brazil’s Vice President, Geraldo Alckmin, to the All India Institute of Ayurveda in New Delhi as a significant milestone in enhancing bilateral cooperation.

Dr. (Vaidya) Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, emphasized that Ayurveda embodies principles of inclusivity, compassion, and a holistic balance of body, mind, and environment. He pointed out the robust partnership between India and Brazil in traditional medicine, which has been reinforced through a Memorandum of Understanding between their respective health ministries. Collaborative efforts involve key institutions, including the National Institute of Ayurveda in Jaipur and various Brazilian universities.

Kotecha commended the contributions of educators, researchers, and practitioners who have advanced Ayurveda in Brazil over the past four decades. He reiterated India’s commitment, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to further cooperation in promoting evidence-based traditional medicine.

The Director of SVCC, Dr. Jyoti Kiran Shukla, highlighted the shared wellness heritage between India and Brazil. She stressed the role of SVCC and ICCR in fostering cultural and academic collaboration in Ayurveda. Meanwhile, the Consul General of India in Sao Paulo, Hansraj Singh Verma, underscored the significance of India-Brazil cooperation in advancing natural and preventive healthcare solutions.

The conference underscored the growing global interest in Ayurveda and its potential to contribute to healthcare systems worldwide. As nations increasingly recognize the value of traditional medicine, platforms like this conference play a crucial role in fostering dialogue and collaboration, paving the way for Ayurveda’s continued expansion and recognition on the international stage.