THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:
Hailing the Global Ayurveda Festival (GAF) that began here today as commendable initiative to promote Ayurveda globally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said this initiative will benefit the entire humanity.
“Collective experiences and guidance of various stakeholders on Ayurveda will further the popularity and outreach of the Indian wellness system. This coming together of ayurveda community cutting across organisational boundaries augurs well for humanity,” the Prime Minister said in a message to the five-day conclave, inaugurated by Vice President Jadeep Dhankar here.
The message was read out by Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs V Muraleddharan on the occasion.
“The initiative by ministries of Ayush, External Affairs, Tourism, MSMEs and the Government of Kerala as well as a consortium of Ayush fraternity is timely and commendable,” the Prime Minister said.
An integral part of Indian tradition and ethos, Ayurveda is not merely a medicine system but an entire way of life.
As birth place of Ayurveda, India remains firmly committed to expanding its global foot print. Be it the celebration of Yoga Day as a global festival of health and wellness or the establishment of WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in India the nation’s commitment to work steadfastly for the wellbeing of humanity is making an impact, Modi said.
Noting that it is apt that this festival of Ayurveda is happening in Kerala, he said people of the state have continued to maintain a healthy relationship with ayurveda and traditional medicine.
Ayurveda goes beyond treating illness and promotes wellness. Focussing on both physical strength and mental wellbeing ayurveda is a comprehensive system of holistic wellness. The idea of One Earth One Health, a universal vision of health, is rooted in ancient Indian principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, he said.
He said GAF plays a significant role in connecting this profound tradition with global community. “I have no doubt it will lead to fresh opportunities for global collaborations in healthcare and research. The participation of 7500 delegates from 75 nations at GAF reflects global interest in ayurveda as a wellness system. Collective experiences and guidance of various stakeholders on Ayurveda will help further the popularity and outreach of the Indian wellness system,” the Prime Minister added.
