Pune is set to host the 8th International Ayurveda Congress on February 1-2, 2025, at the Dr. D.Y. Patil College of Ayurveda and Research Center in Pimpri. This significant event is a collaborative effort between Dr. D.Y. Patil (Deemed) University, the All India Ayurveda Congress (New Delhi), the International Maharishi Ayurveda Foundation (Netherlands), and the International Academy of Ayurveda. The congress aims to unite Ayurveda experts, researchers, educators, and students from around the globe to discuss advancements and research in the field.
A Confluence of Global Ayurveda Experts
The two-day conference will feature a series of lectures, research paper presentations, and discussions on various aspects of Ayurveda. Dr. Smita Jadhav, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Dr. D.Y. Patil (Deemed) University, highlighted the event’s international appeal, noting that experts and academics from countries including Brazil have already registered. Notably, 16 Ayurveda students from Brazil have arrived to participate in the conference.
Honoring Pioneers in Ayurveda and Related Fields
A special convocation ceremony on the first day will recognize notable contributions to Ayurveda and related disciplines. Neuroscientist Dr. Tony Nader, head of the Global Transcendental Meditation Organization in the U.S.; IPS Mahesh Bhagwat, Additional Director General of Police, Telangana; and Prof. Dr. Sadanand Sardeshmukh, President of the Indian Culture and Vision Trust, Wagholi, will be conferred with ‘Honorary Doctor of Science’ degrees by Dr. P.D. Patil, Chancellor of Dr. D.Y. Patil University. The ceremony will also be graced by Pro-Chancellor Dr. Bhagyashree Patil, Vice-Chancellor Dr. N.J. Pawar, and other esteemed university officials.
Government Support and Esteemed Attendees
The conference has received recognition from the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, and the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM). On the second day, Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State for AYUSH (Independent Charge), will deliver a special address. Other dignitaries include AYUSH Ministry Secretary Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Chairman of the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine Vaidya Jayant Devpujari, National Research Professor of AYUSH Dr. Bhushan Patwardhan, and Chairman of the All India Ayurveda Congress Vaidya Devendra Triguna.
A Platform for Research and Innovation
The congress will host over 100 international experts from 10 countries and more than 1,200 national-level researchers, doctors, educators, and students. Additionally, over 500 students, doctors, and researchers from India and abroad will present their research papers. Dr. Gunvant Yeola, Principal of the Ayurveda College, emphasized that the event aims to foster discussions on Ayurveda research, innovations, future scope, challenges, solutions, and treatments for various disorders. It also seeks to promote collaboration with international organizations and align with initiatives like the ‘Integrated Health Scheme’ and ‘Heal in India’ launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Advancing Ayurveda Education and Practice
Dr. Smita Jadhav highlighted the importance of such conferences in allowing students to learn about advancements in Ayurveda, technology, and innovative experiments. She noted that these events encourage research, innovation, and a startup culture within the field. The congress serves as a platform for sharing knowledge and expanding the scope of Ayurveda, contributing to its global recognition and integration into modern healthcare.
The 8th International Ayurveda Congress in Pune represents a significant step toward integrating traditional Ayurvedic practices with contemporary scientific research, fostering global collaboration, and promoting holistic health solutions.