Thank you Mark.
Vd. Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of AYUSH,
Prof Dr Tanuja Nessari, Director, All India Institute of Ayurveda,
Prof Gupta,
Mr Hans Rhyner
distinguished guests,
ladies and gentlemen,
Good Afternoon,
Almost two decades ago, I came across a book by one Dr Hari Sharma. This was entitled Freedom From Disease”. The book was about how to control free radicals which was a major cause of aging and diseases.
The book talked about certain ayurvedic practices which would enhance physical health as well as raise the level of consciousness. The preventive approach, it advocated by incorporating into daily diet certain ayurvedic formulations, would reduce free radicals in a major way, slowing down aging process and enhancing body immunity.
Dr Sharma is a modern medical practitioner based in the US who accidentally stumbled upon the path of ancient medical wisdom of India, Ayurveda- the science of Life. As a skeptic in the beginning, he challenged the efficacy of the ayurvedic formulation questioning the very scientific basis of it. But he was asked Maharishi Yogi a counter question. The efficacy is well established through traditional use. It is for the modern medical practitioner to establish a cause and effect relationship through a scientific query.
Why I recall this story is to put across a case for not discarding traditional wisdom of humankind by closely observing operation of nature for providing solutions to existential challenges.
Friends, I was deeply influenced by this book and I started taking interest in Ayurveda practice for health and well-being for myself.
Ayurveda is more than just a medical practice. It is a holistic system that emphasizes balance between body, mind and soul and their interplay with the cycles of nature. It is the science of coexistence with nature. It is a science integrated in our Indian culture and traditions.
Ayurveda has laid down elements of balanced diet, compatible food including seasonal and regional foods and fasting ages ago. It is only recently that modern science is researching and discovering the benefits of adapting these for human health. But this knowledge and science is very well integrated and knitted in Indian cultural practices, customs and traditions. Indian kitchen in itself is a small ayurvedic pharmacy of compatible foods, herbs and other ingredients adapted to the regional climate and customs.
Today India is celebrating Dussehra, a festival of victory of good over the evil. This festival concludes the NINE days of “Navratri” festival celebrated across India in different ways. Navratri is often associated with fasting, and while it is a spiritual practice, it also has deep Ayurvedic significance.
From an Ayurvedic perspective, fasting during Navratri helps to detoxify the body, allowing the digestive system to reset. By consuming easily digestible foods, the body’s Agni or digestive fire is balanced. The seasonal detox helps clear accumulated toxins (or Ama) in the body, which according to Ayurveda, is the root cause of most diseases. The simplicity of the diet during Navratri aligns with the principles of Ayurveda, helping the body transition smoothly between seasons.
Friends, I am trying to highlight that festivals in India are not merely celebrations but a reflection of our ancient traditions, lifestyle, and deep understanding of the interplay between the universe and human body, much of which is deeply rooted in Ayurveda. In Ayurveda, the changes in seasons, or Ritusandhi, are critical moments when the body needs to adjust to environmental shifts. Indian festivals, often aligned with these transitions, are opportunities to adapt our lifestyles, diets, and habits to maintain health and wellness.
As the world grapples with the effects of climate change, pollution, and depletion of natural resources, the teachings of Ayurveda offer a pathway to reconnect with nature. By reducing reliance on synthetic chemicals, promoting organic agriculture, and encouraging a harmonious relationship with our environment, Ayurveda provides a well established blueprint for sustainable living.
Today, under the leadership of Hon PM Shri Narender Modi, we are proud to see Ayurveda recognized and celebrated not just within our borders, but globally. Our Government’s efforts are focused on promoting Ayurveda as a cornerstone of India’s public health and wellness sector, and ensuring its scientific development for the modern world.
I would like to acknowledge the efforts of the Ministry of AYUSH, which has worked tirelessly to formulate policies and programs that strengthen the research infrastructure of Ayurveda, playing a pivotal role in promoting Ayurveda globally. Ministry’s efforts have made Ayueveda, including Yoga, a key part of India’s cultural diplomacy. I am proud to say that the establishment of formal Ayurvedic practices in Switzerland is a testimony to its growing global acceptance.
Ayurveda is quite popular among Swiss people as a preferred alternative treatment, despite the fact that Ayurvedic treatment is at present, not covered under basic medical insurance and people have to bear the related costs themselves. Through this platform I urge the concerned Swiss authorities to address this issue for the larger benefit of our Swiss brothers and sisters.
As part of India’s cultural diplomacy, the Government of India has been actively promoting Ayurveda on international platforms. Several countries have already recognized Ayurveda as an official system of medicine, and India is working towards expanding this recognition further. The International Day of Yoga, celebrated worldwide, is another initiative that ties together the holistic health approach of Yoga and Ayurveda.
Our Embassy in Berne has been actively promoting Ayurveda in Switzerland for years through appropriate events and campaigns. We celebrate “National Ayurveda Day” every year to promote this holistic system. We have worked closely with local health institutions, wellness centres, and academic bodies in Switzerland to encourage the adoption of Ayurveda as part of mainstream healthcare. Through events like this symposium, collaborative research projects, and cultural exchanges, the Embassy has strived to bring Ayurveda closer to people here.
Before I conclude, I would mention the signing of Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) in March 2024 between India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries. This landmark agreement will open up new avenues for collaboration in key sectors including as healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and wellness industries, including Ayurveda.
May I express my gratitude to the “European Academy of Ayurveda” and its founders Mr. Mark Rosenberg and Ms. Kerstin Rosenberg, for organizing this Ayurveda symposium and for their endeavor to generate awareness on Ayurveda in Switzerland and Europe. I also want to thank Vd Kotecha Ji for the generous contribution from GOI to make this symposium a reality.
Thank you all for your presence and patience.
