Ayurveda a beacon of hope for world facing serious health challenges: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar at 5th Global Ayurveda Festival

5th Global Ayurveda Festival Inaugurated by Vice President Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar

In a bid to address the complex health challenges facing the world, Vice President Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar inaugurated the 5th Global Ayurveda Festival (GAF) The event, spanning five days, aims to explore Ayurveda’s transformative potential in promoting wellness and sustainable healthcare.

In his opening remarks, Shri Dhankhar hailed Ayurveda as a beacon of hope, emphasizing its emphasis on prevention, balance, and personalized care. He noted that these principles align seamlessly with the global call for a sustainable and equitable healthcare system. “Ayurveda is much beyond treating ailments; it encompasses a comprehensive approach to wellness and well-being,” he remarked.

The Vice President highlighted India’s global leadership in Ayurveda, citing the rich legacy of knowledge and practice that spans millennia. He underscored Ayurveda’s significance during the Covid-19 pandemic, where a rediscovery of its philosophy of wellness and well-being took center stage.

Shri Dhankhar praised the Government of India for playing a pivotal role in fostering the growth and global recognition of Ayurveda. He acknowledged the establishment of a dedicated AYUSH Ministry, the observance of National Ayurveda Day, and the integration of Ayurveda into the National Education Policy as testimonies to the government’s commitment.

Furthermore, he commended Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s global initiative resulting in the International Day of Yoga, describing it as a transformative gift from Bharat to the world.

Speaking on the economic impact of Ayurveda, Shri Dhankhar noted the significant growth of the Ayush industry, from Rs 20,000 crore eight years ago to about Rs 1.5 lakh crore today. He urged stakeholders to leverage India’s digital ecosystem and internet penetration, citing the vast potential it offers.

The Vice President emphasized the role of the National AYUSH Mission under the Ayushman Bharat scheme in promoting cost-effective medical systems. He highlighted the extension of AYUSH through telemedicine and digital platforms, contributing to universal healthcare goals.

Addressing the potential of wellness tourism, Shri Dhankhar positioned Kerala as an ideal destination for promoting Ayurveda. He encouraged leveraging Ayurveda to enhance wellness tourism, contributing not only to well-being but also to the economic growth of the state.

Shri V Muraleedharan, Chairman of GAF 2023, emphasized the global demand for ayurvedic products and services, showcasing the strength and credibility of this time-tested Indian wellness system. He underlined the benefits that Kerala’s wellness tourism sector would reap from the networking and promotional initiatives of GAF.

Transport Minister Shri Antony Raju stressed the importance of scaling up scientific research and documentation efforts to make Ayurveda widely acceptable globally.

The ceremony also featured the presentation of the Brihatrayee Ratna award to Vaidya Sadanand Prabhakar Sardeshmukh by Shri Dhankhar. The award, instituted by Arya Vaidya Pharmacy Coimbatore Ltd, recognizes outstanding contributions to the field of Ayurveda.

As the 5th Global Ayurveda Festival unfolds over the next five days, it promises to be a platform for the exchange of ideas and knowledge, further solidifying Ayurveda’s role in global healthcare.