Brief report of 8th World Ayurveda Congress for German Press

Inauguration

The event was inaugurated by Shri Vijaybhai Rupani, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Gujarat
in the august presence of Shri Shripad Yesso Naik, Hon’ble Minister for AYUSH, Govt
of India, Smt KK Shailaja, Hon’ble Health Minister of Kerala, Vd Rajesh Kotecha,
Secretary, Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India, a large number of delegates,
academicians, leading industry representatives, exhibitors and the general public.

8th World Ayurveda Congress

The Congress, with its focal theme ‘Re-aligning the Focus on Health’ held from 14-
17 December, brought together over 4000 delegates, academicians, researchers,
professionals related to Ayurveda from 32 countries across the globe, to share their
experiences, to learn from one another and to debate the future development and
promotion of Ayurveda globally. The Congress was structured around 6 plenary
sessions, 86 parallel sessions, 19 Associated Events/Workshops and a huge number
of poster presentations, which facilitated all participants to enter into practical
discussions.
 

7th International Delegates Assembly

The International Delegates Assembly (IDA), held during the 8th WAC at Ahmedabad
highlighted a pragmatic approach to Ayurveda in today’s world, while firmly retaining
the core philosophies of the 5000 year old science of Ayurveda. The 7th IDA presented
a worthy follow up to the previous editions held at Pune, Jaipur, Bengaluru, Bhopal,
Delhi and Kolkata.

Some Numbers of participants

Total number of delegates 4201
Number of foreign delegates 114
Number of countries participated  32

International Conclave on Ethno-pharmacology and Traditional Health Practices

A special international Conclave on Ethno-pharmacology and Traditional Health
Practices with speakers from various countries provided particularly interesting
insights into how Traditional Medicines can be used in widely varying contexts.
This edition of the Congress received a record number of 2321 abstracts including 89
international abstracts. After a rigorous online review process, 750 abstracts were
selected for Oral and 351 Poster presentations.

The Congress promoted Ayurveda globally

The Congress was the key activity of World Ayurveda Foundation for promoting
Ayurveda globally. It also helped to look beneath the surface of usual practices to
explore its underpinnings and to learn from the diversity of experience that participants
brought to the forum. The Congress witnessed attendance of a wide range of
participants from the Ayurveda sector: students, researchers, practitioners, educators,
health promoters, community activists and others interested in incorporating Ayurveda
as a way of life into their daily routine.

Feedback received from various stakeholders further ascertains the scientific veracity
of the age-old science of Ayurveda. The participants greatly enjoyed the chance to
meet Ayurveda students, practitioners, researchers, etc. from so many countries, the
opportunity to network and to learn from one another, and the chance to share and
explore ideas.
Looking back at the 8th WAC, now it is impossible to summarise the rich ideas that
were shared over the four days in brief. Given below are some numbers for quick
reference:

AROGYA Expo

The AROGYA Expo was held from 14-17 December at Gujarat University Convention
& Exhibition Centre, Ahmedabad. In a nutshell, it was absolute pleasure to watch the
enthusiasm, vibrancy and the positive energy that one could experience during the
entire AROGYA. Participants of 8th WAC and the common citizens have been
thronging the stalls on all the days. We can say with some amount of
confidence that this edition of the National AROGYA has been well received by the
general public.

In all we had 502 stalls including pavilions with participation from a range of product
manufacturers, both big and small and representation from the Ministry of AYUSH,
Govt of India, Govt of Gujarat, NMPB and various councils and institutions under the
Ministry with 1200 sqm of exhibition space were at the forefront in creating awareness
with respect to the AYUSH systems. The entire Expo covered an area of 86000 sq ft
plus area.

Stakeholders from the various sectors including medical practitioners, marketing
strategists, professionals, policy makers, students, research institutes, Ayurveda
resorts, Spas and Institutions in service sectors apart from leading pharma companies
in the AYUSH sector ensured their participation. To name a few companies, we had
Madhavbaug, AVS Kottakkal, Dabur, Shree Dhootapapeshwar, Emami, Nagarjun
Pharmaceuticals, Vasu Healthcare, Vaidyaratnam and so on. This edition of AROGYA
also had special stalls for Traditional Healers, which showcased unique knowledge of
the Healers. The states of Kerala and Gujarat put up a spirited display showcasing
what they have been doing to promote Ayurveda in the state. These were of special
attraction.

It is remarkable to note that the AROGYA was visited by a number of VIPs and a large
number of general public. A quick feedback received from both the industry and the
general public vouch the fact that this edition of the AROGA has set a new benchmark
for Ayurveda in the state.

Free AYUSH clinics on Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and
Homeopathy (AYUSH) attracted hundreds of patients on all the four days. ‘Prakriti
Pariksha’, ‘Nadi Pariksha’ and medication by specialists of the different systems of
medicine functioned from 10 AM to 7 PM during the Expo. Special focus was given
on diabetes, women health, preventive cardiology, neurology and oncology.
The Expo has been organised aiming at fostering the growth of the six streams of
medicine, and popularising it among the common man. The AROGYA showcased
Ayurvedic medicines, medicinal plants and raw materials, herbal extracts, equipment,
instruments, allied utilities and publications by manufacturers and suppliers.

Conclusion

The valedictory of the event, held on 17th December 2018, was graced by Shri
Nitinbhai Patel, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat.
Over 16 years and through eight Congresses, the WAC has emerged as a global
platform for all stakeholders for networking and engaging in intellectual exchange to
strengthen the Ayurveda sector, reaffirm their sense of purpose and envision the
future. WAC also showcases advances in relevant fields, orient students and
facilitates interaction between professionals and consumers.
This edition of the Congress significantly highlighted various streams of our age-old,
powerful tradition of Ayurveda and achieved a remarkable impact on its participants.
We look forward to achieve more momentum for this forum in the coming years.

Chandrasekharan Nair.K.A

Chief Coordinator
8th WAC & AROGYA

https://ayurworld.org/