The NCAM mega-conference in Orlando
Approximately 310
individuals with a shared interest in promoting authentic Ayurveda
worldwide gathered at the Westgate Resort in Orlando, Florida, USA
during the final weekend of October 2023. The NCAM mega-conference,
organized by a collaboration of 20 ayurveda organizations across the
United States, aimed to raise awareness about Ayurveda and its
significance beyond wellness. The event, titled Ayurveda Beyond
Wellness, emphasized the holistic nature of Ayurveda and its role in
preventive healthcare. For further details regarding the conference’s
comprehensive program, esteemed speakers, sponsors, and organizing
committee, please visit https://ncamusa.org/conf23/.
During our
interactive forum, individuals from various backgrounds including
Ayurvedic physicians, experts, newbies, oldbies, Government of India
officials, US-NIH government officials, academic professors,
biomedical scientists, chefs, and students from 10 different
countries (previously trained as engineers, economists, agronomists,
and IT professionals but now interested in learning Ayurveda)
gathered to listen, learn, and share their knowledge.
The mega-conference,
organized by the Ayurveda Association of Florida and chaired by Dr.
Aparna Bapat, brought together 87 speakers and offered a remarkable
exhibition area for 35 sponsors and vendors showcasing Ayurveda
Beyond Wellness. More than 20 registered organizations, schools, and
businesses with a genuine interest in authentic Ayurveda participated
in this gathering of like-minded individuals.
At the commencement
of the conference, Ganesha, the deity known for removing obstacles,
was invoked through a mantra. The opening speech was delivered by
Sadhguru via an online platform. The distinguished guests included
Dr. Danny Gaekwad and Senator Dennis Baxley from Florida. The
conference also featured renowned speakers such as Dr. P. Nambi
Namboodiri, Vd. Partap Chauhan, David Frawley, Vd. Nitin Kochar, Dr.
John Douillard, and chef Divya Alter. The event was sponsored by
Sachin Nayyar of LybL.
The pre-conference
roundtable session was brimming with insightful deliberations on
contentious subjects, encompassing the entire process of importing
herbs from cultivation to harvesting, authentication, storage,
customs, and packaging, ensuring their safe importation into the USA.
Additionally, the discourse shed light on the significance of
tangible and observable elements as “scientific evidence”
within our world, as well as the imperative of incorporating
Ayurveda, Yoga, and personal mental growth into mainstream
universities in the USA.
The primary program
showcased a series of 10 engaging discussions known as Sambhasha,
each lasting for 90 minutes; covering a wide range of topics
including the legal and policy aspects of ayurveda, the concept of
scientific evidence, the historical significance of vijayaa as one of
the five sacred plants in Ayurvedic medicine, the role of Ayurveda in
treating incurable diseases and cancer, women’s health concerns, the
cultivation and import of Ayurvedic herbs, the integration of
Ayurvedic education into mainstream practices, and the mastery of
entrepreneurial skills in the field of Ayurveda.
During the main
program, attendees were treated to a series of 18-minute TED-style
talks that delved into the intricacies of Ayurvedic medicine. These
talks covered a wide range of topics, from practical advice on how to
incorporate Ayurvedic principles into your diet to more specialized
subjects such as the use of bhasmas for cancer treatment and the
science of Ayurvedic anesthesia. Other talks explored the
relationship between healthy soil and human health, strategies for
mental wellness, and the importance of regular purging for overall
well-being. Additionally, attendees learned about clinical trials of
Ayurveda with cancer patients, the new AI – Ayurveda Intelligence,
and whole health approaches for veterans.
During the event,
attendees were able to participate in various experientials and
demo-lectures, such as leech therapy, music as medicine, yoga asana,
and experiential pranayama. Additionally, the book-signing event
showcased more than 20 authors of Ayurveda. Dr. Abhimanyu Kumar, an
Ayurvedic pediatrician and former Director General of the CCRAS,
released a White Paper Report on the Status of Ayurveda in the United
States, which utilized AI and vetting by ayurvedic doctors. Dr.
Jeffrey White of the NIH/NCI presented the Survey of U.S. Ayurvedic
Medicine Professionals Regarding Helping People with Cancer, which
was launched live and attended from Friday evening through Sunday
evening. Lastly, lifetime awards were presented to Dr. Gopal
Bashisht, Dr. Pratima Raichur, and Dr. Abhay Kumar Pati.
For nearly a quarter
of a century, the Ayurvedic community in the United States has
endeavored to unite practitioners in the pursuit of a professional
approach to a medicinal system that addresses the body, mind, spirit,
and senses. A remarkable lineup of physician speakers, scientists,
and experts stepped forward unapologetically to discuss Ayurveda’s
healing evidence to an enthusiastic and attentive audience. Noted
author John Douillard remarked, “I have never been with a kinder
group of experts or attended a better conference.” Padmabhushan
David Frawley demonstrated his commitment by sitting attentively from
the moment he arrived until he departed.
Submitted by,
Bhaswati
Bhattacharya, MPH, MD, PhD (Ayu)
Chair, NCAM Program
Committee
