THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:
Scaling up efforts to position Ayurveda as a sustainable and inclusive wellness system for the entire world and strengthening international networking of stakeholders by forming a Global Alliance of Ayurveda, the 5th Global Ayurveda Festival (GAF 2023) drew to close here today.
The five-day event saw the largest gathering of Ayurvedic practitioners, scholars, students, policy makers and a wide array of stakeholders from India and abroad deliberating on an entire spectrum of topics besides evolving strategies for projecting Ayurveda’s huge potential in addressing the health challenges of the present world and imparting a momentum to wellness tourism.
Inaugurating the valedictory function of the conclave at Greenfield International Stadium here, former Health Minister of Kerala V S Sivakumar said as the time-tested holistic wellness system the relevance of Ayurveda has increased manyfold in a world faced with serious health challenges arising from lifestyle, stress and ecological disruptions.
It is significant to note that this traditional knowledge system is being augmented by adopting modern research methods which will enhance its credibility and open new vistas of opportunities, Sivakumar said.
Hailing efforts of GAF, he said Kerala has a great potential to emerge as a global Ayurveda hub since the tradition of this science of life has deep roots in its culture.
Presiding over the function, GAF Working Chairman Dr G G Gangadharan said GAF 2023 was a big success since it could effectively take forward its key objectives. These included uniting global Ayurveda community, enhancing Ayurveda’s international acceptance, advancing modern research and promoting Kerala as a wellness hub.
Vice President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar inaugurated the flagship event on December 1, where a special message by Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailing the initiatives of Ayurveda fraternity was read out by Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs V Muraleedharan.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan was the Chief Patron of GAF 2023.
The biennial event was organized by the Centre for Innovation in Science and Social Action (CISSA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Ayush, the Government of India, Government of Kerala.
The conclave featured experts-led scientific sessions focusing on the latest advancements in Ayurveda while the Arogya Expo showcased products and services of a large number of Ayurvedic institutions. Leading Ayurvedic physicians, including specialists, offered free OP consultation at the event right from day-one.
Dr C Suresh Kumar, Chief Coordinator GAF, Dr C Suresh Kumar (Triveni), Secretary General GAF, Dr Vishnu Namboodiri, Organising Secretary GAF and Dr V G Udayakumar, General Convener GAF, spoke.
Also present were Swamiji Jagam Maharaj, Shri Isht Preeth, vice president Marketing HUL, Dr K B Nagur, president Indian Masters Athletics, Dr Vipin Vijay, CEO Arya Vaidya Pharmacy Coimbatore, Dr Yadu Narayanan Mooss, Executive Director Vaidyaratnam Group, Shri Baby Mathew, Managing Director Somatheeram, Dr C D Leena, president AMAI, Dr Biju Kumar, District Secretary, AMMOI, Dr Vijayan Nangelil, president AHMA, Dr D Jayan, president AKGAAS, Dr Smitha Arunkumar, General Secretary PACTO, Dr V J Sebi, general secretary KSGAMOA, Dr Durgaprasad, general secretary KGAGMOF, Dr Sugatha S J, president KSGASMOA, Dr Jijuraj, general secretary KAMOA, Dr T T Krishnakumar, president VAP Kerala, and Dr Ram Mohan, convener GAF.
