Stressing the need for further exploring the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Tuesday observed that the traditional healthcare system is now being recognised globally and the country is on course to become the most preferred wellness destination.

“Ayurveda entails a holistic approach towards health of mankind and its prime focus is on overall health and wellness. The treatment is much affordable too. There is a need to further explore Ayurveda with evidence-based scientific approaches and documentation. The country can become the most preferred destination…if we can strengthen Ayurveda in India and the world,” the Vice President said while inaugurating the fourth edition of the Global Ayurveda Summit.

Naidu pointed out the need for Ayurveda to connect back with technology and target new market segments by using non-traditional technology based means for their outreach and distribution.

He also urged citizens to maintain a healthy lifestyle and good food habits by adhering to Dinacharya (daily regimen) and Ritucharya (seasonal regimen) guidelines prescribed in Ayurveda.

“This will result in good immunity, thereby warding off infectious diseases like Covid-19. It can thus contribute to the wellness of humanity. Also one should focus on spiritual well-being which can remove the unwanted anxiety and fear,” Naidu said.

V Muraleedharan, Minister of State for External Affairs & Parliamentary Affairs, observed that the people across the globe are taking recourse to Ayurveda as a preventive as well as curative medicine.

“The global Ayurvedic market is estimated to touch USD 210.81 billion by 2026 as per latest studies which forecast a significant growth of the global dietary supplements market. This will further contribute to the development of Indian Ayurvedic sector,” he said.  

The India government has initiated a host of measures for the development of the sector. A bill that seeks to accord the status of an institution of national importance to a Jamnagar-based cluster of Ayurveda institutes was introduced in Rajya Sabha on Tuesday. Similarly, Ayurvedic practitioners and researchers of India and the US have undertaken joint clinical trials for Ayurvedic formulations against the novel coronavirus, he said.

The summit, a virtual exhibition & conference on the topic ‘Emerging Opportunities for Ayurveda during Pandemic’, is organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry –Kerala, in association with the Ministry of Ayush.

The month long event, from September 15 to October 14, 2020, aims to showcase Ayurveda and herbal medicine before the world and promote the theme ‘Immunity through Ayurveda’. Participants from over 25 countries will attend the event. The Exhibition will witness participation of 18 companies comprising pharmaceutical companies, Ayurveda hospitals & clinics, Ayurveda Institutions, Ayurveda manufacturing companies, Ayurveda herbal products companies etc.

The inauguration event saw the participation of dignitaries including Thomas John Muthoot, Chairman, CII Kerala State Council, Dr S Sajikumar, Past Chairman, CII Kerala, Dr P M Varier, Convenor, CII Ayurveda Panel, Baby Mathew, Co Convenor, CII Ayurveda Panel and C K Ranganathan, Deputy Chairman, CII Southern Region.

Ayurveda & Health Tourism Magazine is the ‘Media Partner’ for the month-long web event.